http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com The Mursi pastoralists most famous tradition is the lip plates worn by the women. The girls make a slit in their lower lip upon reaching sexual maturity and begin inserting small clay plates. The plates become increasingly larger over time until the lip is completely distended. I don't know what sight disturbed me the most. The plate in a lip or the lip just hanging down without a plate in it. The women and men also practice scarification. The Mursi vlllage was not a pleasant experience. The Mursi's grab, poke and do everything possible to get you to take their photo. Don't even think of trying to get away without paying unless you want a little machete and/or spear practice.

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com The Hamer Jumping of the Bull Ceremony is very unusual. A young man cannot marry until he succeeds in jumping a line of bulls, ranging from 12-20. This is not a "for tourists" ceremony. If tourists happen to be in the area when one is scheduled (lucky us, there was one today), you do have to pay for the privilege of attending and watching. Around 150 Birr ($16 U.S.) and then the money is used for the actual wedding. Part II to follow in another video and read all the gory details in a few months on my website....http://www.TravelsWithSheila.

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com Every time I heard the crack of a whip coming down on a woman, I cringed. And then, they walked around bleeding as if it was nothing. ( It probably helped that they were completely drunk but still....) By the way, the bull "jumpee" must accomplish his task naked. ex-Marine (husband, Steve) was obsessing over..."what if a horn caught his testicles..." A painful thought. The Hamer man must make three complete jumps and the tribe kept removing bulls to make each pass a little easier. This ceremony was certainly something that I'll never see again in my lifetime...."unique" isn't adequate to describe it.

http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com Endemic to Ethiopia, it's worth putting up with gritty Debark to see the furry, lion-like Gelada Baboons. An armed guard and local park scout must accompany you into the National Park where the over 6,000 Geladas go about their business, digging up roots, and procreating more little baboons. It's not unusual for one male to have at least five harems. That would keep anyone busy...