Surmas

After days of driving, I reach the land of the Surma. Turgit, a small village in the south-west of Ethiopia, is cut off from the outside world. The Surma have kept the traditions of their ancestors. They are the guardians of an endangered culture and maintain a way of life equally strange and fascinating.

The Surma take great care of their grooming and body painting is of the highest importance to them. Some scarify themselves or wear pieces of jewelry to stretch their lips and ear lobes, both to make themselves attractive and to show their control over pain.

Young men practice stick fighting called "Donga" to show their bravery. Strength, skill and elegance are the norm as young women choose their future husband. Therefore, stick fighting provides an opportunity for men to prove their manhood. Their numerous scars show to everyone that they are determined to sacrifice their lives to defend their people. These majestic warriors are masters in the art of transcending suffering into beauty.

This documentary was held in 2009. (Turgit, Ethiopia)

Text by Laurie De vlieger.