Like Father, Like Son
Ethiopia 2013
A Mursi man and boy, who resemble ghosts, have painted themselves with clay. The clay prevents sunburn and works as an insect repellent. It may also soothe an inflamed insect bite. I read that the colors of clay…white, red, beige… have magical meanings to the Mursi.
The Mursi also use the clay to decorate themselves. Scratching designs in the clay or painting with different colors on certain parts of the body passes the time when you are out in the bush with your cattle. And it makes you look beautiful when you return to camp. It’s good economically as you will attract the attention of camera toting tourists.