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Into Adulthood

by Daria Berkowska (Germany)

Ethiopia

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The Hamer Tribe celebrates the coming of age in the Omo Valley of southern Ethiopia. Hundreds gather over a few days to see the centuries old tradition of a boy running over bulls as an initiation rite into adulthood. Here the men rally and gather the bulls in preparation of the jump. 
The Hamer Tribe celebrates the coming of age in the Omo Valley of southern Ethiopia. Hundreds gather over a few days to see the centuries old tradition of a boy running over bulls as an initiation rite into adulthood. Here the men rally and gather the bulls in preparation of the jump. 
At dusk, the boy walks among the bulls staring silently into the distance preparing himself for the jump. He must nakedly leap over the lined up bulls four times, and if successful he enters adulthood, finally entitled to marry, own cattle and have children. 
At dusk, the boy walks among the bulls staring silently into the distance preparing himself for the jump. He must nakedly leap over the lined up bulls four times, and if successful he enters adulthood, finally entitled to marry, own cattle and have children. 
Part of the celebration involves feasting and drinking. The men sing, dance and display their jumping abilities.  The birch sticks carried represent men who previously succeeded in this rite of passage.
Part of the celebration involves feasting and drinking. The men sing, dance and display their jumping abilities.  The birch sticks carried represent men who previously succeeded in this rite of passage.
The women relax in the sun with their skin and hair glistening from the mixture of ochre and butter, taking a break from the singing and playing of their horns.
The women relax in the sun with their skin and hair glistening from the mixture of ochre and butter, taking a break from the singing and playing of their horns.
Part of the ritual involves the women begging for the men to whip them with the birch sticks. The whipping represents loyalty, love and honor towards their family. The bigger the wound, the bigger display of their devotion. 
Part of the ritual involves the women begging for the men to whip them with the birch sticks. The whipping represents loyalty, love and honor towards their family. The bigger the wound, the bigger display of their devotion. 

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