The lip plate tradition of the Surma (Suri) women in Ethiopia is a powerful symbol of identity, beauty, and pride. Starting in adolescence, girls gradually stretch their lower lip to wear a clay disc — a unique expression of culture that has been passed down through generations. Though less common today, it remains deeply meaningful during ceremonies and continues to honor ancestral traditions. 🎥 Video credit: Quim Fàbregas - Fotografía y Viajes. #VisitEthiopia #SurmaCulture #InspirationOfAfric

The Lip Plate Tradition of the Omo Valley In Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, certain ethnic groups — most notably the Mursi and Surma (Suri) — are known for the distinctive tradition of wearing lip plates. This cultural practice is one of the most recognized yet often misunderstood aspects of the region’s heritage. For women in these communities, the tradition usually begins in their late teenage years. A small incision is made in the lower lip, and over time, wooden or clay plates are inserted in gradua