Kara Tribe

The Karo tribes are considered to be the masters of body painting. They decorate their body with different colors when they are going to engage in dance, feast, or celebration. The Karo tribe residing along the borders of the lower Omo River incorporates rich cultural symbolism into their rituals by using ornate body art, intricate headdresses, and body scarification to express beauty and significance within their community.

The Karo frequently perform the Pilla ritual, which signifies the coming of adolescence for the young men. The initiation must demonstrate that he is ready to “become a man” by leaping over rows of cattle six times consecutively without falling. If he is successful, the boy will become eligible for marriage (as long as his older brothers are already married), and he will be allowed to prepare publicly with elders in sacred areas.