The Karo tribes living along the borders of the Lower Omo River in Ethiopia incorporate rich, cultural symbolism into their rituals by using ornate body art, intricate headdresses, and body scarification to express beauty and significance within their community.
Large beads worn around the neck of a man signify a big game kill. The Karo men cover their body and face with ashes mixed with fat, a symbol of virility for important festivities and the ritual combats between the clans, which take place after the harvest. (Cinders also protect them from mosquitoes and tsetse fly). These ceremonial combats are of great importance because they enable the men to exhibit their beauty and courage and thus, perhaps attract a woman. The scars and lacerations, particularly those on the chest, are highly esteemed marks of valor. In this artwork, he proudly wears his beads, and his gaze is direct and steady. Almost challenging.
