| The Surma, a pastoral people, originate
from the remote plateaus of southwestern Ethiopia, near the border
of Sudan. On festive occasions, Surmas decorate their bodies using
chalk and earth pigments to create patterns. Youngsters begin learning
the art of body painting at an early age by imitating their parents.
Possessing little in the way of material things, the Surma's bodyart
is their prime means of artistic expression. Close friends often paint
their faces with identical designs to reveal their bond with one another,
as you see with these children. |
