Lip plates in Ethiopia: A mysterious ritual that transforms women of Mursi into cultural icons

Written by Omnia Hassan

In the middle of the remote plains of the southwest EthiopiaThe Mursi tribe lives in one of the most fascinating communities in the world, where its women maintain an ancient and strange tradition of wearing “lip plates,” a custom that has become a cultural symbol reflecting identity and social status within the tribe.

A transitional phase towards femininity

According to reports issued by UNESCO and scientific studies specializing in East African cultures, girls in the Mursi tribe usually begin this ritual between the ages of fifteen and sixteen.

 A small cleft in the girl's lower lip

The mother or an elderly woman from the tribe makes a small incision in the girl’s lower lip, then a small piece of wood is placed inside it, before it is gradually replaced by a larger one over several months, until the lip is stretched enough to hold the famous “lip plate”.

It is not just about decoration; this tradition is seen as a sign of maturity and readiness for marriage, and it reflects the status of women within the tribal society.

Social codes and hidden messages

The women of Morsi are keen to decorate the dishes with different drawings and colors, and sometimes even write their names on them. According to anthropologists, the shape and size of the dish may indicate the woman’s social status, whether she is married, single, or widowed.

In some old folk interpretations, the size of the dish was also linked to the value of the dowry the family received, although some recent studies suggest that this belief may be exaggerated or entirely inaccurate.

Between preserving identity and the pressures of the modern age

Despite the human rights and medical criticisms raised about this custom due to its physical effects, many women in the tribe still consider it an integral part of their cultural identity.

But with the rise of tourism and the spread of media, the traditional customs of the Mursi tribe have begun to face major challenges, as some young people believe that the modern world threatens the continuation of this ancient heritage.

The most bizarre cultural symbols

But “lip plates” remain one of the most unusual and distinctive cultural symbols in Africa, and a living testament to the diversity of human customs and the different standards of beauty among peoples.