honorable mention
SERGIO GALAN SANCHIS spain
Photo © SERGIO GALAN SANCHIS
title
Surma Donga fighters
As they live isolated, they keep their traditions somewhat intact.
The main ceremony in Surma culture is the “Donga”. When harvest is finished, a few chosen warriors of every Surma village fight with wooden sticks called “donga” surrounded by all the Surma people. The point is proclaiming virility, revenge past affronts or seeking bride.
This is photograph is part of a series taken in September 2019.
In the picture, two donga fighters (naked) and a group of supporters from their village have just arrived to the battle camp. They dance, shout and sing challenging other Surma fighters. A lot of Surma have weapons. They get Kalashnikov from Sudan war or they buy it (they told me that the price is around 800-1000$, the same price that costs a cow). Often they shoot to the air; sometimes among them.
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entry description
The Surma or Suri are an ethnic group of the Southern Nations of Ethiopia. Part of them lives in West Omo Valley area and part in South Sudan. The Suri population was 32,000 in 2016.As they live isolated, they keep their traditions somewhat intact.
The main ceremony in Surma culture is the “Donga”. When harvest is finished, a few chosen warriors of every Surma village fight with wooden sticks called “donga” surrounded by all the Surma people. The point is proclaiming virility, revenge past affronts or seeking bride.
This is photograph is part of a series taken in September 2019.
In the picture, two donga fighters (naked) and a group of supporters from their village have just arrived to the battle camp. They dance, shout and sing challenging other Surma fighters. A lot of Surma have weapons. They get Kalashnikov from Sudan war or they buy it (they told me that the price is around 800-1000$, the same price that costs a cow). Often they shoot to the air; sometimes among them.
about the photographer
I'm a passionated traveler. I try to catch what amazes me in my photographs and writtings.back to gallery
