Massimo Rumi, a documentary photographer, probably didn’t know when he traveled to the remote Omo Valley in Ethiopia, Africa, that the ancient tribe’s way of life was under threat. Nonetheless, he used the opportunity as a means to draw attention to the indigenous peoples’ plight, and the photos he snapped are absolutely breathtaking.
The activist shared with Bored Panda that a massive hydroelectric dam is being built in the Omo river in order to support vast commercial plantations, and this is forcing remote tribes away from the river and its annual flood.
In addition to an increase in tourism, the vibrant people’s traditions and means of survival are quickly changing. Like the Maasai tribe in Kenya, Africa, the men, women, and children are now utilizing globalization to raise funds.
Rumi relays that he had to pay for every photo he captured, but the opportunity was worthwhile. Following are some of the stunning photos he captured, as well as a captivating snippet of what the activist experienced in Ethiopia.
He warns:
“As globalization takes over, this unique part of the world could be fast disappearing.”
Hamar people rest under the shadow of a big tree
Hamar men paint their face before attending a Bull Jumping ceremony
Hamar women volunteer to be whipped as a sign of commitment for the young man taking part in the Bull Jumping ritual
Bulls are lined up side by side for the Bull Jumping ritual
Bull Jumping is a ceremony to determine whether a young Hamar male is ready to make the social jump from youth to adult, and is ready for the responsibilities of marriage, raising a family and owning cattle.
Tribal dance during the ceremony
