- The Karo tribe use red ochre and white chalk to create intricate designs on their faces and bodies
- Both sexes do it as a way to be more visually appealing and attractive, while looking intimidating to rivals
- American photographer Vicente Pamparo visited tribe to capture their beauty and learn of their way of life
February 26, 2014 (Daily Mail) — Wearing make-up to feel more confident and attractive is common practice for Western women. And although they live in a world far removed from urban life, it’s the same for women of the Karo tribe in Ethiopia.
Using white chalk and red ochre, the women create intricate circle, spiral and cross-hatched designs in order to look more beautiful and stand out of the crowd.
What’s more, it’s not just the women who use this technique in a bid to be more visually appealing to the opposite sex. The men also paint their faces and bodies to boost their sex appeal.
As well as decorating themselves in the white markings, the men will also inflict lacerations and cuts on themselves to produce scars and markings. These are highly esteemed because they represent courageous acts.
Body art: Men, women and children from the Karo in Ethiopia paint their faces and bodies with white chalk
‘Scarification, whether natural or self-inflicted, symbolises courage or an appeal to the opposite sex,’ he added. ‘Children will also wear body paint when taking part in festivities and as a means of identifying themselves as part of the clan.’
The Karo tribe is made up of about 1,000 people who survive on agriculture and fishing. Their diet consists of maize, sorghum and beans they grow themselves plus they fish from the river and raise goats and cattle.
Most of the men carry weapons which Vicente said is necessary to protect their cattle from other tribes and wild animals. But he added: ‘It also symbolises their pride, as weapons allows for the protection of not only the individuals but also their tribe.’
Despite their intimidating, ghostly appearance thanks to their guns and war paint, Vicente said the tribe were ‘pleasant and friendly’ when he visited last November to learn about them and their way of life.
He said: ‘I managed to receive permission to set up a tent within the tribe area and the Karo’s hospitality was unwavering. I was invited to drink coffee with several of the families, fished with some of the men, guarded the farms against baboons.
I also drank some “akele” which is an alcoholic beverage enjoyed during celebrations. Their token of friendship was remarkable.’
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