SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA PART VI- DASSANETCH

The Dassanetch People occupy land on both sides of the Omo River and the northern edges of Lake Turkana. Although they consider themselves to be livestock farmers, the seasonal cultivation of crops on the flooded banks of the Omo River and Lake Turkana are essential to their survival. They follow a complex age and generational system and are led by an elite group of about thirty elders called "bulls". They have collective rights to cultivable flats and pasture areas. But only individuals can claim special rights to river bank strips.

Despite being a male dominated society, the birth of a daughter is required to participate in certain ceremonies. One of the most striking details of the Dassanetch is the incredible male hairstyles signifying position in the age-system. Their population is about 25,000. They have good relations with the surrounding tribes. In fact, the Hamer People manage the cattle of the Dassanetch in exchange for agricultural products.

Pictures: Dassanetch village huts; Dassanetch woman with pot and ladles; Village girl stripping a goat hide; Two older village women with baby (note hairstyle with bottle caps); Inside a village hut; John in a traditional Dassanetch canoe on the Omo River; Dassanetch farmers cultivating maize on the banks of the Omo River.