I took this picture at Key Afer Market, one of the biggest markets in the southern stretches of Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley. The market isn’t just where the locals do their shopping, but also a social event where people from the surrounding villages gather to catch up. This woman belongs to the Banna people, one of the two main tribes in this area, along with the Tsamai. On market day, the women dress in their most vibrant outfits and decorate their hair with feathers and colourful clips. They also usually rub butter into their braided hair to keep it moist and protected from the sun’s powerful rays. Beads are very popular when it comes to jewellery, but many women recycle all kinds of objects (such as watchbands, wires and buttons) to make their own unique accessories.
BÉRENGÈRE CAVALIER // PHOTOGRAPHER
IMAGE: PICFAIR/BÉRENGÈRE CAVALIER