A Time For Knives

Description

Before dawn, we set out in our Land Cruiser, navigating the rugged paths of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley in the dark. We stayed alert, watching for wildlife and people who might be walking or crossing the road unexpectedly. In these early hours, locals often travel on foot, and we needed to be cautious. We were on our way to meet the Dassanech tribe, located near the Kenyan-Ethiopian border—a place so remote I wasn’t entirely sure which side we were on.

As the sun began to rise, the sounds of the Dimi ceremony filled the air. The tribe gathers to dance and sing from home to home, celebrating their young girls’ transition into womanhood. Historically, the Dimi ceremony included circumcision for both boys and girls, which some elders refer to as the “Time for Knives.” Today, they say this practice has been discontinued for girls, though it’s hard to know for certain.

In this photograph, three Dassanech men stand proudly in their ceremonial attire. Their bodies are painted, leopard skins drape over their shoulders, and hats made of black ostrich feathers sit atop their heads—a symbol of their status and bravery. They hold tall sticks covered in clay, representing their spiritual connection. There is a regality to them that is unmistakable.

Witnessing their traditions firsthand was an experience I’ll truly never forget. Despite the rapidly changing world around them, they continue to uphold customs that have been passed down for generations.