“Suri Smile”. It took a three-day drive in rugged conditions to meet the Suri tribe. The community is nestled in one of the toughest and most remote places on Earth-the Ethiopia/Sudan border. Despite the harsh conditions, the Suri take great pride and joy in decorating their bodies. This young Suri boy is covered in yellow and red ochre from a creek bed near our camp. These marks of distinction are used to attract women and to intimidate enemies in battle. There is a fascination and almost obsession with appearance. Suri apply the paint using flowers, sticks, bottle tops and cartridge cases. Location: Kibbish, Suri Tribe, Omo Valley, South-West Ethiopia. Africa. (Photo and caption by Stephanie Hunt/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)
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