The Tsamay people

The Tsamay live in the Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia. There are about 10,000 people and is part of the Cushitic family Lowlands is.

As in the Hamer people , young men Tsamay must participate in the initiatory rite jump bulls , which marks their entry into adulthood. During the ceremony , they will run on the back of several bulls aligned. If they pass the course four times , they will be adorned with a headband adorned with feathers, carried in triumph by their elders and will now have the right to marry .
The Tsamay have no custom that focuses on girls virginity until their wedding day , but their culture is strictly forbidden to get pregnant outside of marriage . Unlike most Ethiopian tribes, Tsamay practice arranged marriages. They are the parents of the young woman who choose who she will marry , with or without her consent. Even if the marriage is arranged , the man must still afford to pay the dowry of his future wife . It can pay with livestock , honey , grains or beans. Except for their honeymoon , couples Tsamay never take their meals together .
The traditional women’s costume consists of a leather outfit and pearls. The leather apron of married women and broad and can cover both sides of the legs. Tsamay women who are not married to wear a short skirt with a matching leather apron V shape that covers the back of the legs .