UKULI DONGA, RITES OF PASSAGE IN THE OMO VALLEY

Endangered primary peoples

An episode from the series THE FORGOTTEN VOICES

Synopsis

One of the last sanctuaries of humanity, the Omo Valley on the borders of Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan, still shelters some of the most remarkable tribal societies.

The Hamer and the Mursi, two of the most iconic tribes, are semi-pastoral nomads. They have been able to preserve their cultures and initiation rituals throughout time.

The Hamer call it Ukuli while the Mursi name it Donga. They are rites of passage from one age group to another. The whip test or the buffalo jump attract hundreds of participants and weddings are the natural outcome of such gatherings.