Mursi Tribe - Clay Lip Plate Frontal Colour

One of the most famous traditions of the women of the Surma (collective term for Mursi and Suri tribes) are the clay lip plates that are inserted into their lower lip. This customery practice happens when a woman reaches marriageable age.

The two lower teeth are knocked out, usually by a rock, and a slit is made in their lower lip in which a small wooden plug is inserted. This plug is replaced by a larger one ongoing until the lip is stretched enough to hold a clay plate. It is done for beautification and status which can fetch a large dowry price for her hand in marriage.

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