Lip plates : A fading Tradition?
ETHIOPIA – Fearing extinction, the 500-year-old tradition of wearing lip plates among the Surma tribe is sparking heated debate, with the Ethiopian government and younger generations rejecting the painful practice, while elders fight to preserve cultural heritage.
The Surma tribe, inhabiting the remote Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia, has worn lip plates for centuries as a rite of passage for young women. The plates, made of clay or wood, symbolize beauty, fertility and social status.
According to Surma elders, the lip plate tradition dates back to the 16th century, when it was used to deter slave traders from kidnapping Surma women. Today, the practice is seen as a symbol of cultural identity and heritage.
The process of acquiring a lip plate begins at age 15, marking a girl’s transition to womanhood. However, the Ethiopian government has deemed the practice harmful and is actively discouraging it.
Despite government pressure, many Surma elders are determined to preserve the tradition. The debate has sparked a wider conversation about cultural heritage and human rights in Ethiopia.
A growing number of younger Surma people are opting not to undergo the painful procedure, preferring modern customs. This shift has led to concerns among Surma elders that their cultural heritage is being eroded.
The Surma tribe’s remote location has limited their access to education and healthcare, making it difficult for them to balance their cultural traditions with modern demands.
