The Arbore is an ethnic group living in southern Ethiopia, near Lake Chew Bahir. They are from the Omotic language family and have ancestral links to the Konso People. With a total population of 6850, the Abore population is divided into just four villages.
They believe in a Supreme Being, creator and father of all men, whom they call Waq. Arbore men can marry up to four women, while after marriage a woman gets a new name - the name of the beloved cattle of her husband. Circumcision is practiced on both boys and girls. Female circumcision (female genital mutilation) is a prerequisite for marriage and must traditionally be performed by the mother.
Unmarried girls completely shave their hair, this is a symbol of virginity, and they cover their heads with a piece of black cloth to protect themselves from the sun, while married women braid their hair in short braids.
Konso area, Ethiopia, 2024