Why do the Surma people utilize lip plates? The Surma people, particularly the Suri sub-tribe, are well-known for their use of lip plates as a type of body decorations. Lip plating, also known as lip stretching, is the process of inserting increasingly bigger clay or wooden plates into the lower lip. This practice is traditionally regarded as a rite of passage in Suri culture and is significant for various reasons: Lip plates have cultural significance in the Suri culture as a symbol of beauty a

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A Surma girl wearing an ear plate sports a wooden or clay disc inserted into her stretched earlobe. This adornment is a symbol of beauty, maturity, and tradition among the Surma people of the Omo Valley. The size of the plate reflects status and cultural pride, and it is often accompanied by body paint and traditional decorations. #inspirationofafrica | Quim Fàbregas - Fotografía y Viajes.

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

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