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About South Omo

SOUTH OMO

The South Omo Zone is a region in southwestern Ethiopia, nestled in the Great Rift Valley. It's a land of dramatic landscapes, from arid savannahs to lush riverbanks, where the mighty Omo River flows. This remote and challenging environment is home to a fascinating array of tribes, each with their own distinct cultures and traditions. Some of the major tribes include the Hamer, known for their elaborate hairstyles and bull-jumping ceremonies; the Mursi, famous for their lip plates and fierce stick-fighting duels; the Karo, renowned for their intricate body painting; and the Banna, who share many customs with the Hamer.

These tribes lead semi-nomadic lives, deeply connected to the land and its resources. They are pastoralists, relying on their herds of cattle, goats, and sheep for sustenance and social status. Agriculture also plays a role, with crops like sorghum and maize grown along the fertile riverbanks. The Omo River is a lifeline, providing water for both people and animals. Life in South Omo is often challenging, with limited access to modern amenities and the constant threat of drought. Yet, these tribes have adapted to their environment, developing complex social structures and rich cultural practices that have sustained them for centuries.

Location

Southern Ethiopia

Indigenous Tribes

Multiple ethnic groups

South Omo Tribes

TRIBES OF SOUTH OMO

Tribes of South Omo

South omo zone is divide into six woredas and two town administration called Dimeka-its capital. The six woredas include Banna Tsemay, Dassanech, Hamar, Maale, Gnangatom, and salamago.

The zone consists of 15 official recognized ethnic groups, namely,

  • Arbore (Ulde, Marle)
  • Bacha
  • Banna
  • Bodi
  • Brayle
  • Dassanech
  • Dime
  • Hamar
  • Kara (Karo)
  • Maale
  • Kewegu (Mogudji)
  • Murle
  • Mursi
  • Gnangatom
  • Tsemay (Tsamako)
Map of South Omo

HARMFUL PRACTICES

Harmful Traditional Practices

Harmful traditional practice (HTPs) have adverse effects on the health and welfare of community memebers in general and woen and children in particular. Harmful traditional practices are common in rural areas of South Omo zone than semi-uraban settings. Also the types , number and prevalences of HTPs increase while we go from urban areas. The problem gets more and more complex in remote pastoral areas of the zone where traditional practices are common in all walks of the people’s life.

There are different types of Hramful traditional practices

  1. Mingi: is the ritualistic killing of infants and children believed to be cursed by tribes in the remote South Omo valley. Some of tribes believe evil spirits or curse will bring ill fortune (drought, famine, disease and death) to their villages if Mingi children are not killed.
    Harmful practices

    A child can be declared Mingi for the following reasons:

    Girl Mingi

    babies born out of wedlock may be labeled Mingi by tribes.

    Women Mingi

    when couples are married but do not have their marriage or pregnancy approved, their babies could be declared Mingi.

    Teeth Mingi

    children that get their top teeth before their bottom teeth, or if they have chipped a baby tooth, may be declared Mingi by tribal elders.

    Twin Mingi

    the birth of twins is perceived as curse and both babies may be declared Mingi.

  2. Dowry: Women's are given to their husbands in exchange for livestock (dowry) irrespective of age difference between the bride and the goom.
  3. Livestock is inherited through the male line only.
  4. Abduction is common ; and others violent acts are committed against women such as the pulling of milkteeth, gential mutilation.
  5. Whipping women during cattle Jumping ceremoniesHarmful practices
  6. Early marriage is common in the south Omo valleyHarmful practices
  7. Lip cutting is of Harmful traditional practices in Mun(Mursi) community.Harmful practices

OMO South Documentary

Documentary Part 1

Exploring the cultural heritage and daily life of South Omo communities

Documentary Part 2

Understanding the challenges and traditions of South Omo tribes

These documentaries provide insights into the lives, customs, and challenges faced by the communities in the South Omo region. Please note that some content may contain sensitive cultural information.