Suri Shieldmaiden

As daybreak painted the sky, we journeyed to witness an ancient Suri ritual, a blood-letting ceremony led by a tribal elder and involving a handful of the tribe’s young boys. Mother Nature, however, had other plans. A sudden storm surprised us, forcing us to wait out the morning rain for clearer skies.

When the rain finally eased, and the ceremony drew to a close, we resumed our exploration. A short walk brought us to the lively heart of the village, where we were greeted by the welcoming smiles of women and children, their men absent tending to cattle, as is customary during the day.

Among the villagers, a young woman caught my eye. Her face painted with intricate designs made from clay from the river, and a large gourd perched on her head in the style of a warrior’s helmet, created a surreal and captivating sight.  It took me a moment to realize exactly what all I was seeing.  I love that feeling.

The oversized clay plates in her ears echoed the deep-rooted traditions of her people. I chose to portray her as the “Suri Shield Maiden”, a beacon of strength, creativity, and perseverance. A vibrant red plastic flower held gently in her mouth stood in stark contrast to her natural adornments, which added an unexpected depth to her story. To me, this small detail spoke volumes about the delicate balance this tribe is navigating – the tug of war between the preservation of ancestral customs and the creeping influence of the wider world.