The vast Suri land of the Omo Valley is a symbol of resilience and tradition, but it faces growing challenges. Climate change, with its droughts and erratic rainfall, threatens their livelihood, while the Ethiopian government continues to sell land to outside developers, sidelining the Suri in the process. Marginalized and excluded from key decisions about their land, the Suri people are left to fight for their rights, striving to preserve their heritage and way of life in the face of these mounting pressures. A 73-page report by Human Rights Watch, “‘What Will Happen if Hunger Comes?’: Abuses against the Indigenous Peoples of Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley” documents how government security forces are forcing communities to relocate from their traditional lands through violence and intimidation, threatening their entire way of life with no compensation or choice of alternative livelihoods. Government officials have carried out arbitrary arrests and detentions, beatings, and other violence against residents of the Lower Omo Valley who questioned or resisted the development plans. (Read more here: https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/06/18/ethiopia-pastoralists-forced-their-land-sugar-plantations

Young Suri children walk beside their cattle, taking on the responsibility of herding and caring for them from an early age. Cattle are essential to their way of life, providing milk, meat, and wealth. For the Suri, cattle also hold great cultural importance, symbolizing status and tradition. The bond between the children and their animals is strong, and caring for the cattle is an important part of growing up.

A young Suri man crouches down on watch, his rifle resting by his side. In the remote areas where the Suri live, rifles are not easily bought from stores. Instead, they are often acquired through trade with neighboring tribes or passed down through generations. During the conflicts in South Sudan, firearms were frequently smuggled across borders and traded for cattle or other goods, further embedding rifles into the way of life for many in this region. For the Suri, a rifle is not just a weapon; it’s a symbol of protection, status, and survival. Whether guarding livestock or hunting, the rifle plays a crucial role, and the young man remains vigilant, embodying the responsibility that comes with it.

Nyala, a Suri Land Guardian, is the first portrait in this series. In this image, she stands as a sentinel of her heritage, embodying the pride, strength, and unwavering determination of her people. One afternoon, in the shade of an ancient tree, Nyala rested her hand on the bark and shared these words: “This land carries our stories. The trees, the river, the stones—they remember our ancestors. Protecting this land is protecting their memory.” As she gazed toward a distant hillside, she continued: “This is where my community gathers to honor the spirits of our forebearers. Without the land, we are unmoored. It holds our past, cradles our present, and carries the hope for our future.” Her words, translated by a young member of the Suri Tribe, resonate with a timeless truth: heritage is not simply inherited—it is fiercely safeguarded for generations to come. In this series, we are invited to witness the strength and dignity of the Suri Tribe—vigilant protectors of both heritage and territory within their community. Adorned with traditional face paint and a vibrant floral arrangement atop their head, they command attention while embodying the spirit of their culture.

A fierce stare meets the lens, painted patterns adorning her face—a testament to strength, identity, and unyielding pride. As a land guardian, she stands as a protector of her people’s heritage, safeguarding both their traditions and the sacred connection to their land. In the Suri community, a land guardians safeguard sacred spaces, monitor for potential threats to the land such as encroachment, and preserve cultural practices tied to the land. They are also responsible for maintaining the balance of nature, making sure that the land is cared for in a way that ensures its sustainability for future generations. This role is often passed down through generations, and guardians are seen as stewards who uphold the community's deep reverence for the earth and the interconnectedness of all life forms within it. The Suri people, who are primarily agro-pastoralists, view their land not just as a physical space but as a vital part of their identity, history, and survival. The guardians of the land play a key role in ensuring that these connections remain strong, even in the face of external pressures, such as land disputes, environmental changes, and modernization.

This portrait honors a Suri land guardian, her face adorned with intricate patterns that speak to her identity, strength, and the profound connection she has to the land. In the Suri community, a land guardian carries the responsibility of protecting not only the land and its resources but also the traditions that bind the community to it. This role goes beyond physical protection—it is about safeguarding the very way of life that depends on the land, cattle, and water. As commercial agriculture, mining, and other development projects expand, the Suri’s ancestral lands face increasing encroachment. Tensions over land rights, particularly with neighboring tribes and outside investors, have escalated. The loss of fertile land and access to vital water sources threatens their ability to sustain their agro-pastoral lifestyle. Like many indigenous communities, the Suri are also grappling with the effects of climate change. Shifts in rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts endanger their cattle herding and farming practices. Water shortages are especially dire, posing a critical challenge to the survival of the community.

Suri land guardian and a mother. She protects the land that holds her ancestors’ stories while raising the next generation to honor and preserve it. Through her, the strength of her people and the promise of their future endure.

A water guardian carefully paints her face, her hands steady and deliberate.

A water guardian carefully paints her face. When asked about the designs, she smiled softly and said, “These patterns are like the river—always flowing, always connected. They remind us we belong to this land, just like the flowers and trees.”

The water guardian stands by the river, her figure merging with the surrounding woodland. In her arms, she holds a rifle—not as a weapon of violence, but as a symbol of her duty to protect the life-giving river that sustains her community. For the Suri, the river and land are sacred, vital to their survival but increasingly threatened by external forces. The water guardian's role as protector reflects the larger struggle of her people, whose way of life is increasingly at odds with outside interests.

Two young forest guardians, quietly observing the world around them, learn the ways of their ancestors. In the Suri community, children are taught by watching and mimicking the adults, absorbing lessons on their roles in protecting the land, water, and wildlife. From a young age, they grow into the responsibilities of their people, carrying forward traditions of stewardship and guardianship for future generations.

A Suri mother holds her child close, her lip plate a symbol of beauty and tradition. In the Suri community, parenting is shared by everyone, with mothers teaching skills and passing down cultural traditions

A Suri elder gazes out over the fields, embodying the wisdom of her community. As a guardian of tradition and a matriarch within her tribe, she carries the responsibility of preserving the Suri way of life. Suri elder women hold significant roles within their community, serving as pillars of wisdom, custodians of cultural traditions, and leaders in family and social matters. Their responsibilities extend beyond the domestic sphere, as they are highly respected for their knowledge of rituals, oral history, and the natural environment.

A young girl balances a vase on her head, carrying flowers with grace and purpose. In the Suri community, children take on essential roles from an early age, learning responsibility through daily tasks. From gathering water to tending to crops, each task helps them understand their connection to the land and family. 'We are the caretakers of our world, and every flower we gather is a step toward our future.”

A portrait of a teen Suri water girl, poised at the threshold of womanhood. As younger Suri children are exposed to formal education and the opportunities it presents, there is a growing divide between them and the older generations. This shift can lead to disillusionment or a sense of loss for both the youth, who may feel torn between their heritage and modernity, and the elders, who worry about the future of their traditions.

A portrait of a Suri water guardian. Being a guardian of the river means holding a sacred responsibility to protect and preserve the river and all the life it sustains. It goes beyond physical protection; it encompasses guarding the river's spiritual and cultural significance for the community. For those in agro-pastoral communities like the Suri, the river is a lifeline—it provides water for drinking, farming, and daily life. A guardian stands vigilant against threats like pollution, exploitation, and overuse, ensuring the river remains a source of nourishment and life for future generations. This role embodies a deep connection to the land and its resources, acting as both protector and steward.

A portrait of a young Suri girl, her gaze steady and focused. Traditionally, Suri girls learn domestic tasks, cultural rituals, and skills essential to their community’s survival. But as the Ethiopian government mandates education for tribal children, she is now balancing her ancestral responsibilities with the expectation of attending government schools. This shift represents a blend of tradition and modernization, as Suri youth are caught between preserving their cultural identity and embracing new opportunities for growth. Through this journey, the essence of their community’s heritage continues to shape who they are and who they will become. Some elders worry that the introduction of formal education might weaken the community’s connection to the land, livestock, and traditional roles that have sustained them for generations. However, there is also a sense of pragmatism among some, who understand that balancing tradition with new opportunities may be key to the future of the Suri people.

A portrait of a young water guardian. Being a guardian of the river means holding a sacred responsibility to protect and preserve the river and all the life it sustains. It goes beyond physical protection; it encompasses guarding the river's spiritual and cultural significance for the community. For those in agro-pastoral communities like the Suri, the river is a lifeline—it provides water for drinking, farming, and daily life. A guardian stands vigilant against threats like pollution, exploitation, and overuse, ensuring the river remains a source of nourishment and life for future generations. This role embodies a deep connection to the land and its resources, acting as both protector and steward.

A young Suri water guardian stands in the forest, leaning gently against a tree. With shrubs atop her head, she blends seamlessly into the natural world she protects. "I guard the water because it is the lifeblood of my people," she shares. "The river is more than just a source of sustenance—it's our connection to the land, our ancestors, and our future. By protecting it, I ensure that our way of life, our traditions, and our community survive."

A portrait of a young Suri water guardian, standing watch over the lifeblood of his community. Without face paint, he embodies silent strength and readiness, a protector of the river that sustains his people.

A portrait of a young water guardian, her gaze strong and focused. Her face, painted with symbols of her people, reflects her deep connection to the river she protects.

As the late afternoon sun cast its warm glow, three female elders of the Suri community sat together in a quiet circle, surrounded by nature. Their presence was timeless—embodying the strength and continuity of their people. Two women, without lip plates, bore the marks of a deeply cultural tradition, while the third wore a large lip plate, symbolizing beauty and pride. Despite the language barrier, their shared wisdom spoke volumes. In their silent exchange, they held the collective memory of the Suri, passing down stories of history and resilience across generations.

In her eyes, the story of the Suri people unfolds—a wife and mother whose strength, grace, and devotion to her family embody the heart of Suri womanhood. Her portrait captures the enduring power of tradition. "To nurture is to be strong. Through her hands, she feeds us; through her love, she shelters us." She rises before dawn each day to grind maize, prepare meals, and fetch water from the river.

This family stands united, a powerful symbol of strength and resilience. The father, holding his rifle, embodies protection and responsibility—guarding both his family and their land. Beside him, the mother’s lip plate signifies cultural pride and beauty, her calm demeanor exuding quiet strength. Their children, a son and two daughters, stand close, reflecting the close-knit bond of the Suri people. In their unity, they represent the heart of the Suri community: a family devoted to preserving their traditions, heritage, and way of life, despite the challenges they face.

A portrait of a Suri boy, raised with an emphasis on learning the skills needed for cattle herding, hunting, and other physical tasks. They are typically taught how to care for livestock, which is central to the Suri's agro-pastoral way of life, and to protect the community and land. Both boys and girls are expected to contribute to the family and community, but these roles are framed by their gender. Despite these differences, both are taught the importance of tradition and the land, and as they grow, both may take on roles as guardians of the environment, including water and land.

A portrait of a Suri elder, her lip plate a powerful symbol of beauty, tradition, and cultural pride. Worn with dignity, the lip plate represents not just a rite of passage but a deep connection to the Suri people's identity and history. Her quiet strength tells a story of resilience, carrying the wisdom of generations and the enduring spirit of a community.

A portrait of a teen Suri girl, poised at the threshold of womanhood. In the Suri community, marriage often comes early, with girls typically marrying in their late teens or early twenties. Raised with a deep sense of tradition, they learn domestic skills from a young age—caring for younger siblings, gathering water, and preparing food. Beyond these duties, they play a vital role in preserving the cultural practices of their people, including face painting and rituals that mark significant life events. Though young, their strength and connection to the land are integral to the survival of the Suri way of life.

A young Suri child, steady and focused, carries a water container on their way to the river—a vital journey that is part of the daily rhythm of life. For the Suri people, the river is not just a source of water but a lifeline, connecting them to the land and their heritage. Every step taken is a reminder of the enduring bond between this community and the natural world that sustains them.

A portrait of a Suri girl, embodying the quiet strength and resilience of her community. From a young age, she learns the essential roles of food preparation, gathering water, and caring for younger siblings. Beyond these duties, she plays a vital role in preserving the cultural traditions of the Suri, including the art of face painting and other rituals that mark significant life events. Her life is a reflection of the values that bind her people together—family, tradition, and connection to the land.

A portrait of a young Suri girl, her gaze steady and focused. Traditionally, Suri girls learn domestic tasks, cultural rituals, and skills essential to their community’s survival. But as the Ethiopian government mandates education for tribal children, she is now balancing her ancestral responsibilities with the expectation of attending government schools. Suri elders have mixed feelings about the change brought by government-mandated schooling for their children. While some recognize the potential benefits, such as better access to healthcare, education, and new opportunities outside of traditional ways of life, many are cautious. They fear that this shift could lead to the erosion of their culture and traditions. The elders see the school system as a challenge to their way of life, as it may influence their children to adopt different values, norms, and practices that conflict with the Suri’s deeply rooted agro-pastoral lifestyle.

Portrait of Suri child, standing quietly as part of a community that raises them together. His expression is calm and focused, embodying a culture where presence is valued more than words. In the Suri community, children learn through observation and experience, absorbing the lessons of their elders without being asked questions. Their role is simple—to be there, to learn, and to grow into the guardians of the land and traditions that sustain their people.