The Hamer
The Hamer (also spelled Hamar) are a pastoralist people who live mainly in southwestern Ethiopia. They occupy territory east of … Continue reading The Hamer
Category: Tribal Profile
The Dorze
As we made our way from Lake Langano to Arba Minch, we stopped for our first official tribal visit. The … Continue reading The Dorze
The Banna
En route to Jinka, we had our first interaction with young people from the Banna tribe. As we drove along … Continue reading The Banna
The Omo Valley
The Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia has one of the richest and longest-lived human histories on Earth, both culturally and … Continue reading The Omo Valley
Tribe Profile: The Tambul
On August 8th, 2023, I had the pleasure of traveling to Papua New Guinea. This adventure was undoubtedly different from … Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Tambul
Tribe Profile: The Kumipana, Kunai and Mendi
On August 8th, 2023, I had the pleasure of traveling to Papua New Guinea. This adventure was undoubtedly different from … Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Kumipana, Kunai and Mendi
Tribe Profile: The Melpa
On August 8th, 2023, I had the pleasure of traveling to Papua New Guinea. This adventure was undoubtedly different from … Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Melpa
Tribe Profile: The Black Mamas and Jiwaka of Papua New Guinea
While not very much is known about the Black Mamas or the Jiwaka tribes of Papua New Guinea, I found them very interesting. Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Black Mamas and Jiwaka of Papua New Guinea
Tribe Profile: The Engan People of Papua New Guinea
Comprised of six districts and housing a quarter of a million people, Enga is very unique. Unlike other provinces in Papua New Guinea that speak a myriad of languages, the Enga region has only one major ethnic group and one language, both of which share the same name as the region. One of the more easily recognized Engan tribes is the Suli Muli known for their use of black face paint. Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Engan People of Papua New Guinea
Tribe Profile: The Baining People of Papua New Guinea
While they live an otherwise quiet, unremarkable lifestyle, the Baining people are famous for one thing – The Fire Dance.
The origin of the fire dance ceremonies was to celebrate the birth of a child, the commencement of the harvest and remembering the dead.
This dangerous activity involves “Spirit Men” dancing into and out of a fire accompanied by music made from chanting voices and the beating of bamboo reeds against logs. As the music increases in intensity, the dancing becomes more frenzied and trance-like. Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Baining People of Papua New Guinea