African Mursi tribe female lip plate culture.
The Morsi tribe of Africa is a tribe in Ethiopia known for its female use of lip plates. The lip plate culture is a distinct tradition of the tribe and is seen as a symbol of beauty and identity. The Mursi tribe, whose lip plate tribe is concentrated in the Omo Valley region of southern Ethiopia, differs from the culture and lifestyle of other neighboring tribes.
Women of the Morsi tribe change their appearance at the beginning of puberty by placing a wooden or plastic lip disc into their lips. The lip disc gradually increases in size, starting with a smaller size and finally reaching a larger size that reaches the chin. This process is gradual, and each woman decides the size of the lip disc according to her wishes and level of comfort. The materials and specific shapes of the lip discs may vary depending on personal preference.
Women of the Morsi tribe see lip plates as a way to attract the opposite sex, pursue beauty, and social status. The lip disc is also considered part of the rites of passage, marking the growth of women and the preparation for marriage. In addition, lip plates can also be used to show women's ethnic and familial identity. The lip plate culture is considered very important and precious locally, although this practice may bring certain variations and limitations to the women of the Morsi tribe.
However, modernization and outside influences have gradually changed this tradition, and some young Morsi women may no longer choose to use lip plates. It is important to note that the Morsi tribe is not the only African tribe that uses lip plates, and other tribes such as Karo Karo and Hamar Hamar have similar cultural practices. These lip cultures are important for understanding Africa's diversity and rich cultural heritage.
