The Surma Tribe & the Meaning Behind the Lip Plate Tradition Deep in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia, the Surma (or Suri) Tribe is known for one of the most visually striking cultural practices in Africa — the wearing of lip plates by women. This ancient tradition involves piercing and gradually stretching the lower lip to insert a clay or wooden plate, sometimes reaching up to 16 inches wide. But this practice is far more than appearance — it’s a symbol of beauty, strength, identity and social statu

Greetings from the incredible Surma tribe in southern Ethiopia. You won’t be able to find a much more remote and raw experience than this one. A woman inserting her clay lip plate - a sign of beauty. The bigger the plate the more beautiful. Better late than never - Happy new year to everyone. Surma / Suri tribe, Omo Valley Ethiopia. . . . 📽️ @culture_ley . . . #Ethiopia #OmoValley #omoriver #tribes #omoadvisor #surma #suri #surmatribe #suritribe #surmatribes #suritribes #africa #culture #travel

Greetings from the incredible Surma tribe in southern Ethiopia. You won’t be able to find a much more remote and raw experience than this one. A woman inserting her clay lip plate - a sign of beauty. The bigger the plate the more beautiful. Better late than never - Happy new year to everyone. Surma / Suri tribe, Omo Valley Ethiopia. . . . 📽️ @culture_ley . . . #Ethiopia #OmoValley #omoriver #tribes #omoadvisor #surma #suri #surmatribe #suritribe #surmatribes #suritribes #africa #culture #travel