06/04/2025
The Mursi tribe, residing in Ethiopia's Omo Valley, is renowned for its unique and striking tradition of lip plates. This cultural practice, primarily observed among Mursi women, involves the insertion of a clay or wooden disc into a pierced lower lip. The process begins when a girl reaches the age of 15 or 16, and the size of the plate is gradually increased over time.
The lip plate holds deep cultural significance. It is seen as a symbol of beauty, identity, and social maturity within the tribe. For unmarried girls and newlywed women, the lip plate is often worn during significant occasions, such as weddings or rituals, and even while serving food to their husbands. Interestingly, the size of the lip plate is not directly linked to a woman's bridewealth, contrary to popular belief.
This tradition is not merely about aesthetics; it represents a connection to the tribe's heritage and a marker of Mursi identity. Despite the pain involved in the initial stages, the practice is embraced with pride, and many women continue to wear their lip plates as a testament to their cultural roots.