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Published: November 8th 2008
In one of the most remote areas of Ethiopia, there live native tribes that 50 years ago were not even aware of modern Ethiopia. There are multiple different tribes that retain distinctive traditions, from dressing in beads and goat hide skirts to scarification practices and jumping dance celebrations. The scenes are classic Africa. It was fascinating to visit the Hamer people. They are high cheekboned people, whose men wear beaded caps and short sarong skirts. The women wear elaborate beads on top and cowhide skirts. The women have huge scars on their backs. The men’s initiation ceremonies are called Bull Jumping Ceremonies. There are up to 30 bulls lined up in a row. The initiate needs to jump over the first bull and continue jumping over the backs of all the bulls without falling down. At the end of the row, he turns around and returns and returns again. After he is done jumping, he beats the back of his female relatives with sticks until they are scarred for life. The quantity of scars of her back shows her devotion to her loved ones.
It is written that there are similarities between the Hamer people and ancient Egyptians in terms
of their decorations worn, and their everyday utensils. The Hamer herding sticks and headrests are similar to those shown in Egyptian paintings. Cool. It is amazing to drive for a full day watching a barren landscape and only seeing very dark skinned, bead decorated cattle herders or beautiful native women carrying items along the side of the road.
When we attended their colorful market, we attracted great deal of attention. Particularly our blondies, Rytas and Vidas, got people staring. Vasara was wearing a ponytail, but so many people were touching her hair and feeling her ponytail that she hid it under a hat.
One man offered to marry Vasara, while another man was so delighted with Rytas, that after a few minutes there was lots of talk in a foreign language, but no one would translate for us. We then understood that he was offering to trade his son to get Rytas. His wife smilingly assured us through body language that it would be OK. She would willingly breast feed Rytas. Yipes. Rytas just pressed closer into my side, clutching my hand tightly.
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Nancy Hejna
non-member comment
Priceless
This is an amazing story. Rytas - you are very brave !! Thank you for sharing your adventures.