Surama

Surama is an ethnic group inhabiting the southwestern region of Ethiopia, primarily in the Debub Omo Zone, near the border with Sudan. They are closely related to the Mursi and Bodi peoples and share similar languages and cultural practices.

Culture and Lifestyle: The Surama are traditionally pastoralists and agriculturalists, relying on cattle herding, sorghum cultivation, and other forms of subsistence farming. Scarification and lip plates are significant aspects of their cultural identity, particularly for women. The Surama are known for their Donga stick-fighting ceremonies, a competitive and sometimes violent ritual combat that plays a role in social hierarchy, mate selection, and conflict resolution.

Language: The Surama speak a Surmic language, closely related to Mursi and Bodi. These languages belong to the Nilo-Saharan language family.

Social Organization: Surama society is organized into clans and lineages. Age grades also play a significant role in social structure and the distribution of responsibilities. Decisions are typically made through consensus among elders.

Threats and Challenges: The Surama face a number of challenges, including land encroachment, inter-ethnic conflicts, drought, and the pressure of cultural assimilation. Government policies and conservation efforts sometimes conflict with their traditional way of life. Access to healthcare and education is often limited.