3. Lip Plates of the Mursi Tribe

Among the Mursi women of Ethiopia, wearing large clay lip plates is a time-honored tradition. The size of the plate often reflects social status and is considered a mark of beauty and maturity. For many outsiders, the sight of these dramatic adornments can be startling or even uncomfortable, as the practice defies Western ideas of aesthetics. However, for the Mursi, the lip plate is a powerful symbol of cultural identity and pride. Discover more from National Geographic.



