It’s important to remember that tradition doesn’t mean ‘the same’, says Lewis, cultures will adapt and add elements all the time. A perfect example of this is the Dassanech tribe, another group found in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley on the border with Kenya. Rubbish of all manner, but particularly bottle tops, have begun to be recycled by Dassanech women, who weave the metal caps into vibrant jangly headdresses. Other women have adapted broken watches and trinkets for similar purposes — and a sure fire way of getting yourself noticed.Nakhane Toure as Xolani with young Xhosa initiates in gay love story ‘The Wound.’
Nakhane Toure as Xolani with young Xhosa initiates in gay love story ‘The Wound.’
Xhosa Initiation Ceremony
In Eastern Cape, South Africa, young Xhosa men take part in a coming of age initiation called Ulwaluko. The youths, known as abakhwetha, are first circumcised without anesthetic, and must live in the bush with minimal supplies.
Wodaabe’s Cure Salee Festival
At the end of the rainy season near Lake Chad, northern Niger, Wodaabe people come together for Cure Salee, the ‘Festival of Nomads.’ At the center of celebrations is Gerewol, a male beauty contest and courtship ritual.
Mursi Lip Plates
Circular lip plates called dhebi a tugion are worn by some Mursi women near Jinka in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley. They are one of the few tribes that continue the practice in East Africa.
Himba Tribe and Otjize
Women of the semi-nomadic Himba tribe in northern Namibia are famous for their reddish hair and complexion, a result of otjize, a paste applied daily.
Hamar Tribe Initiation
Young men of the Hamar tribe, one of many in the valley, prove their manhood by jumping on prize bulls and then running across their backs.
Chewa Tribe and Inheritance
Women of the Chewa tribe may not be quite on equal footing as men, but they hold the key to inheritance, as property is passed down the female line.
Maasai Spittle Blessings
Spittle is an essential part of life for the Maasai of East Africa, as it acts as a blessing.
Tuareg Men’s Veils
Tuaregs are the only tribal communities in which men wear veils instead of women. The tangelmust, a wrapped headdress up to eight meters in length, is ubiquitous among the blue men of the desert.
