20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Two men from the Karo tribe

The Karo tribe, living in the area southeast of the River Omo in Ethiopia, are a group of just over 1,000 tribespeople. They survive on agriculture and natural annual flooding of the Omo river.For the Karo, male and female body scarification conveys either significant symbolism or aesthetic beauty. Ritual combats between the clans are of great importance because the men have the possibility to exhibit their beauty and courage, and consequently attract a woman.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Omo Valley, Ethiopia
Camera: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Copyright: © SVETLIN YOSIFOV