Why the Mursi people of Ethiopia wear lip plates
The Mursi people have a distinct and very peculiar tradition of having lip plates in their mouths.
The larger the lip plate the higher the bride price {documentarytube}
Recommended articles
![Signs of a weak man [stock]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Signs of a weak man [stock]")
When a young lady reaches puberty, her lips are cut, and a wooden plate inserted.
This wooden plate represents an initiation into womanhood. It symbolizes womanhood, fertility and it implies that she is ready for marriage.
The process of inserting these wooden plates spans across a period. She starts with little wooden plates and it increases over time.
ADVERTISEMENT
The importance of lip plates
Early anthropologists argued that it was worn to prevent slave traders from taking these women when they see the ugliness of the lip plates. This claim has since been refuted.
The plates have symbolic value, a girl who does not wear lip plates is scolded and regarded as lazy. It might lead to less money being paid for her bride price.
Traditionally, it is believed that a young lady who does not wear lip plates is more vulnerable in the presence of men.
Mursi women with their lip plates {rhinoafrica}
Pulse Nigeria
ADVERTISEMENT
A researcher Shauna LaTosky who lived with the Mursi people interviewed an elderly Mursi woman, and this is what she had she say.
"If she takes food, she will feel ashamed and afraid of the men. She will walk hurriedly, since she has no lip [plate]. She will go quickly to put the food down and will not greet anyone."
It is a commonly held belief that a lady who wears lip plates would have healthier cows and know how to milk her cow.
A woman does not wear lip plates is seen to be disobedient to the customs of the land and is usually flogged by her father and male relatives.
Only young, unmarried, newly wedded women wear lip plates.
ADVERTISEMENT
It is not worn everyday. It is worn for dances, when serving men food, dueling competitions and ritual events.
When they want to eat, they just remove it.
A lip plate is like a lip piercing. Those who carry out these piercings take safety precautions to ensure it isn't infected. Occasionally, the lip plate is carried out and cleaned.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
10 factors associated with unhealthy heart function according to cardiologist
Drink carrot juice daily to see these changes in your body
5 iconic houses that can never be up for sale
Pepsodent launches ‘Talk to a Dentist' campaign in Osun, Ondo States
5 African countries that changed their official languages after colonial rule
5 reasons you should think twice before you date a man with low self-esteem
5 signs of low self-esteem in men
5 tips for transitioning from remote to on-site work
What happens to your brain when you don't get enough sleep
Here is what to do the next time your partner stonewalls you
Does abortion cause weight gain? Here's what a doctor says
Can bleaching creams cause blindness?
Pulse Sports
Ejuke lives up to 'new Jay Jay' nickname, beats Ghana's Kudus, Mbappe to impressive stat
Top 10 most beautiful track athletes: Sha'Carri Richardson, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Junelle Bromfield make gorgeous 2024 list
'There are few players like me' — Victor Osimhen insists he's worth €100million
Engagement Photos? Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield stun in gorgeous new photos wearing matching outfits
'No congratulations, nothing' - Noah Lyles girlfriend Junelle Bromfield slams Jamaicans' poor Olympic final reception to Kishane Thompson
Watch Asisat Oshoala score winning penalty for Bay FC against Seattle Reign
'I am a big fan' — F1 legend Lewis Hamilton settles Ronaldo vs Messi GOAT debate
'Maddison said it' — Bruno Fernandes defends red card incident in Man United defeat to Tottenham
Engagement Photos? Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield stun in gorgeous new photos wearing matching outfits
ADVERTISEMENT
![Casa Batlló [barcelonapaseodegracia]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Casa Batlló [barcelonapaseodegracia]")