The Mursi and Surma tribes of Ethiopia are known for wearing wooden lip plates in their lower lips. The Suri tribe, which is part of the larger Surma tribe, is also known for wearing lip plates.
How it works
A young woman's lip is pierced by a mother or kinswoman when she is around 15 to 18 years old.
A wooden peg is inserted into the incision.
After the wound heals, a larger peg is inserted.
A clay lip plate is inserted, which is usually about 4 cm in diameter.
Each woman makes her own plate and may add ornamentation.
Why they do it?
Lip plates are a symbol of beauty.
Lip plates are a commitment to the husband.
Lip plates are a visual marker of identity.
How painful is it?
The initial 3-6 months are painful, but the Mursi have plant-based ointments to help heal the wounds.