Bull Jumping Ceremony

• Prize
  Bronze in People/Culture
• Photographer
  Jacopo Maria Della Valle
• Technical Info
  Nikon D750 35mm 1.4 Sigmaart - Nikon Z6 85mm Nikon 1.8
• Photo Date
  2020

The transition from adolescence to adulthood in the Hamer tribes (Ethiopia) is marked by an ancient ritual:the Bull Jumping Ceremony. The day of the ceremony Hamer boys,called Ukuli,must run above ten bulls,back and forth four times,to test their bravery and strength.They are partially shaved,stripped naked and rubbed with sand to wash away their sins. The women adorn their legs with bells and start dancing and jumping.The women get frustrated on the back by men with birch branches,to demonstrate their affection and to encourage the boy.The scars on their back will be the proof of their love.