When we teach our children about Africa, it is important to show them the diverse people and cultures across the continent. The Suri tribe of Ethiopia is one of these unique groups. The Suri are an indigenous group who live in the Upper Omo Valley in southwest Ethiopia. They are well-known for their vibrant attire, daring customs, and strong sense of self. The lip plate is a highly symbolic custom that symbolizes beauty, pride, and identity in Ethiopian culture, and it is one of the most obvious characteristics of the Suri, particularly the women.
What Is a Lip Plate?
A lip plate is a circular disc made of clay or wood that is worn in the lower lip. It is worn by young women of the Suri tribe and their closely related neighbors, the Mursi tribe, as a sign of maturity, beauty, and tradition. Some may find it odd, but in their culture, it is a mark of pride.
In order to insert larger clay or wooden plates, their lower lips are first cut and then gradually stretched with wooden plugs. One of the most potent visual indicators of social maturity, fertility, and marriage eligibility is the lip plate. It is not about discomfort or pain; it is about fitting in and about preserving a unique legacy from their forefathers.
According to a historical theory, the purpose of lip plates was to deform women and reduce their attractiveness to slave traders. But as time passed, they changed into representations of pride and beauty. The size and design of the Suri women's lip plates are a reflection of their cultural identity and artistic expression.
Why Teach This to Children?
Kids are naturally curious. Their perspectives are opened when they discover African cultural customs, such as the lip plate. They learn that it is acceptable for people to look and live differently.
We help them respect others, ask insightful questions, and feel proud of their heritage by educating them about the cultural differences in Africa. “Be proud of who you are, and be open to learning about others,” is what we mean when we discuss tribes like the Suri with children.
Teaching children about the Suri tribe fosters cultural pride by embracing diversity while also enhancing their knowledge. They gain a better understanding of how different cultures define beauty and how traditions have deeper meanings than just aesthetics. These things are taught to demonstrate the beauty of human diversity, not to highlight the differences among people. Every African group has something to teach us about their language, clothing, braids, and beads.
Want to explore more African tribes with your kids? Check out these other fascinating groups:
- The hidden mystery of the Mbundu people.
- Africa's magnificent people: The Wolof people.
- Hadzabe Tribe: The Hidden Foragers of Africa.
- Sacred Holidays of Angola.
- The Samburu Warriors of Kenya.
Beyond Lip Plates
The Suri adorn themselves with plants and flowers, wear beaded jewelry, and paint their bodies with clay. Because of their strong connection to the natural world, they teach their kids how to farm, take care of cows, and coexist with the land. These traditions show us that Ethiopian culture is full of color, creativity, and strong community bonds.
The world has many diverse cultures and is vast. Teaching kids about the Suri tribe of Ethiopia is just one way to help them grow up with curiosity, kindness, and cultural pride.
