The Mursi are pastoralists of the lower Omo valley. Mursiland lies in the Sala Mago Wereda of South Omo Zone, populated by the Mursi as well as the Bodi in the lowlands and in the highlands to the north-east. In addition, 7000 Konso farmers have been moved into Sala Mago under the government’s resettlement programme in 2004. (REF) They occupy six settlements between Hana, the woreda capital (in Bodi territory), and the Dime market town of Utsa. Due to the undeveloped road system in the woreda, Sala Mago has less access to government services than any other woreda in the Zone, especially the Mursi, who must walk at least a day to reach Hana.

The Mursi language is called Mursi. Few Mursi know Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, and literacy very low. Most Mursi are Animists, but about 15% are now Christians. Mursi women are famous for wearing lip-plates, which are made of clay. Girls’ lower lips are pierced at the age of 15 or 16. Like most Omo tribes the Mursi are fierce warriors. Men scarify their shoulders and shave geometric patterns on their head after killing an enemy. During dances and ceremonies they adorn literally every part of their body with white chalk paint.