feature: the creative tribe in ethiopia that “turns nature into haute couture”

Check out the Surma and Mursi people of Southern Ethiopia’s Omo Valley – a tribe recognised for their use of nature to create unique and captivating looks (including body accessories and headpieces made with flowers, leaves, and grass; and body decoration with powdered volcanic rock). As Messy Nessy Chic writes, “Inspired by the tools and textiles provided by nature alone, these ancient African tribes manage to create their own unique fashion that could easily rival and certainly influence the avant garde looks of Haute Couture Fashion Weeks around the world”. The Surma and Mursi people are the focus of German-born artist and environmental activist Hans Silvester‘s stunning photo book, ‘Ethiopia: Peoples of the Omo Valley’. See some of those photographs below.

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor

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