Mursi Tribe - Clay Lip Plate Profile

One of the most famous traditions of Surma women is the clay lip plates inserted into their lower lip. (Surma is the collective name given to the Suri and Mursi tribes of the Omo). This practice happens when a woman reaches the marriageable age of about 13-15 years old. 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. The lip plates signify status and beauty.

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