SPOOKED: Tribal Tribulations of the Mursi Clan

The Mursi tribe are a semi-nomadic pastoralist clan who live in the lower Omo Valley of southern Ethiopia. They are known for their distinctive appearance — especially the lip plates worn by women, body painting, and traditional clothing made of animal skins. The Mursi people are skilled cattle herders and farmers with a strong sense of community and tradition.

The Mursi are thought to have migrated to the Omo Valley sometime in the past 1,000 years. They are believed to be descended from the ancient Nilotic peoples who inhabited this region. Despite being raided by other tribes and having suffered from the ill effects of famine and drought, the Mursi are a resilient people, and have managed to maintain their culture and traditions despite the challenges being faced.

Made famous by National Geographic, Mursi women are known for wearing large, round discs in their lower lips. These lip plates are inserted at a young age and are gradually stretched over time to reach impressive sizes. The exact reasons for wearing lip plates are not entirely clear, but there are several theories. One possibility is that lip plates serve as a form of adornment and beauty, symbolizing maturity and attractiveness within the tribe. Another theory suggests that they may have been used as a way to distinguish Mursi women from members of other tribes, helping to protect them from unwanted attention or abduction. Additionally, some believe that the practice may have originated as a way to discourage intertribal marriage, promoting social cohesion within the Mursi community. #mursi #ethiopia #lipplates