We made a brief stop to visit the Arbore tribe, who live in an area with a hot, arid climate, bordering the Woyto River in the southwest Omo Valley of Ethiopia, near Lake Chew Bahir. They are pastoralists, primarily known for their livestock, and their name translates to “Land of the bulls”. The Arbore are known for their traditional singing, dancing, and distinctive body art and adornments, such as women’s colourful necklaces and black head coverings (🎟️1,000 ETB, 📷1,000 ETB, guide 1,500 ETB).
The number of cattle they own is a measure of their wealth. Traditionally, they have also served as middlemen in trade between the Omo River and the Konso Highlands. They perform ritual dances and singing, which they believe brings prosperity.
Women wear colourful necklaces and earrings and cover their heads with a black cloth. Unmarried girls often shave their heads, wear metal anklets, and have beaded armbands. After the marriage, a woman will remove the anklets, switch to metal armbands, and wear her hair in braids. Traditionally, the young man’s father arranges his marriage.
