The Ari tribe is an indigenous agricultural and skilled craft-producing group in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley region, known for their fertile land, extensive livestock herds, and unique cultural practices like body painting and scarification. They are the largest tribe in the area, with a population of about 120,000.
We arranged our local guide (500 ETB) in Jinka, who brought us to his lovely village nestled in the highlands above Jinka. We also paid a 500 ETB photo fee and a 1000 ETB entrance fee to the village. Aris speak the Ari (Aari) language, which is part of the Omotic language family. Their economy is based on farming and crafts, with women known for pottery and men for blacksmithing. The territory is divided into nine zones, each with its own leader, and includes nine distinct dialects. Spiritual leaders are known as “Babi”. Traditional practices are being blended with modern and Christian influences.
