People & Culture · Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Tsemay People
A small community living south of Konso and east of the Hamar, with close ties to the Banna and Arbore.
- Best Time
- Year-round except April and May
- Suggested Stay
- Half day
- Altitude
- 600 to 1,000 m
- Region
- Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Why We Go
Agro-pastoralists of the Weito valley, between Konso and the Hamar.
The Tsemay combine livestock herding with growing sorghum and maize along the Weito River. Cattle hold great social and economic value, and a man’s status is measured by his herd.
Women wear leather skirts decorated with beads and shells, while men often carry small wooden stools. Ritual dances bring the community together at ceremonies and celebrations.
Highlights
- Beaded leather skirts and calabash containers
- Men carrying small wooden headrest stools
- The Weito River valley
- Key Afar market, shared with the Banna and Hamar
More in Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
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