Acclaimed photographer Vellmarty transports us into the heart of the Mursi Tribe, a secluded community in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, where ancient traditions endure. Known for his evocative travel photography, Vellmarty’s lens captures the essence of the Mursi people, showcasing the remarkable cultural practices that continue to fascinate the world.
The Mursi women are perhaps best known for their distinctive lip plates, a tradition that symbolizes beauty, strength, and social status within their community. Vellmarty’s striking imagery brings to life the process by which a Mursi girl, around the age of 15 or 16, has her lower lip cut by her mother or a female elder of the village. Once cut, the wound is held open by a wooden plug until it heals, after which larger pottery or wooden plates are inserted. This practice, which takes several months to complete, is a symbol of resilience and pride, and Vellmarty’s work offers an intimate look into the emotional and physical journey the women of the tribe undergo.
The Mursi Tribe, or Mun as they refer to themselves, are part of the Surmic ethnic group and reside primarily in the Debub Omo Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region (SNNPR) in Ethiopia. With an estimated population of 11,500, this tribe has maintained its rich cultural heritage despite external influences, thanks in part to their remote location between the Omo River and the Mago River.
Vellmarty’s captivating photos provide a window into the daily life of the Mursi people, from their intricate body art and ceremonial attire to their interactions with neighboring tribes such as the Aari, Banna, Mekan, Karo, Nyangatom, and Suri. The Mursi’s vibrant customs, combined with their isolated existence, make them one of the most fascinating and untouched tribes in Africa.
The tribe’s homeland, nestled between mountains and rivers, is one of Ethiopia’s most remote regions. Yet, despite their isolation, the Mursi maintain an unbroken connection to their ancestral ways.
Vellmarty’s images not only capture the beauty of the Mursi people but also underscore the importance of preserving these ancient traditions in a rapidly changing world.
Check on the link below to see more of his works
https://www.instagram.com/vellmartypictures?igsh=OXhvMHgwaWh5NDRp
