Suri Guardians: A Documentary Exploration of Tradition and Legacy

The Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse regions, home to indigenous tribes that have preserved centuries-old traditions. Unaffected by colonization, these communities offer a rare glimpse into humanity’s cultural heritage. Among them are the Suri, known for their striking use of flowers and self-adornment—a vivid expression of their identity, culture, and connection to their environment.

Today, these traditions face growing threats from globalization and environmental challenges. Suri Guardians offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Suri, celebrating their resilience and artistry. Through intricate face paints and adornments crafted from natural materials, the series captures the Suri’s profound connection to their land and culture.

The project also highlights key roles within the community, such as the Land Guardian, who protects their sacred territories, and the Water Guardian, who ensures access to vital resources. Suri Guardians honors the strength and beauty of the Suri people and their cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.

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. 

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.

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Nyala, the Suri Land Guardian, she stands as a sentinel of her heritage, embodying the pride, strength, and unwavering determination of her people. 

One golden afternoon, I watched as Nyala moved silently through the tall grass, each step purposeful and deliberate. She paused beneath an ancient tree, resting her hand on its weathered bark as if drawing strength from its timeless roots. “This land carries our stories,” she said in a low but resolute voice. “The trees, the rivers, the stones—they remember our ancestors. Protecting this land is protecting their memory.”

She gestured toward a distant hill, silhouetted against the horizon, where her community gathers for ceremonies to honor the spirits of their forebears. “Without this land, we are unmoored,” she continued. “It holds our past, cradles our present, and carries the hope for our future.” Her words echoed with quiet determination, a reminder that heritage is not simply inherited—it is fiercely safeguarded for generations to come.

In her steadfast stance, I saw more than just strength. I saw a profound connection to the earth, a spiritual bond that nourishes identity and sustains a way of life. Nyala’s portrait is more than an image—it is a testament to the unyielding commitment of a people to their land, their legacy, and the timeless stories that live within them.

In the Suri community, a land guardian is someone entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the land, its resources, and the traditions that are deeply tied to it. The role of a land guardian is not only about physical protection but also about ensuring the continuation of the community's way of life, which is closely connected to the land, cattle, and water.

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.

Young Suri girls, 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.

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.

1. & 2. Marila, the water guardian, carefully painting her face. When I asked her about the designs, she smiled shyly and explained, 'These patterns are like the river—always flowing, always connected. They remind us that we are part of this land, just as the flowers and trees are.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Two elders take an evening walk, their unadorned lips revealing a quiet moment of reflection. Without their traditional lip plates, they embody the timeless grace and wisdom of their community, carrying generations of knowledge.

6. Three Land and Water Guardians stand together in the soft light of late day, their natural beauty and quiet strength unadorned by paint. Without their traditional face paints, they reveal a deeper connection to their roles as protectors of the land and lifeblood of their community—a powerful testament to resilience and purpose

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. Despite the physical toll of her daily tasks, her warm smile remains a reflection of her quiet resilience.

The family stands together, a striking representation of unity and resilience. The father, tall and steady, holds his rifle—a prized possession among the Suri. To them, a rifle is not just a tool, but a symbol of protection, strength, and the responsibility to guard their family and land.

Beside him, the mother stands gracefully, her lip plate—a large disc in her lower lip—marking her as a symbol of beauty and cultural pride.  Her calm and composed expression radiates quiet strength. Their three children—two daughters and a son—stand close by. 

In the Suri tribe, family is at the heart of the community. Parents teach their children about survival, while elders pass down stories and wisdom from generations past. Together, they are guardians of the land, the cattle, and the river—resources that define their way of life.

Despite the pressures of modernization, land disputes, and environmental changes, the Suri remain steadfast in preserving their culture and traditions. This portrait is more than just a family—it is a powerful representation of the strength and unity that comes from their connection to one another, their heritage, and the land they call home.

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.

Portraits of Suri children, standing quietly as part of a community that raises them together. Their expressions are 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.

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.

Marila, the water guardian, stands by the river, her presence blending seamlessly with the surrounding woodland. Cradled in her arms is a rifle, not as an instrument of violence but as a symbol of protection for the life-giving river that sustains her community.

I first encountered Marila during an afternoon walk through the forest. At first glance, she appeared almost camouflaged, a natural extension of the landscape—silent yet commanding. Startled by her presence, I retreated to seek guidance. When I returned, Marila remained in the same spot, steadfast and vigilant, watching over the river's gentle flow.

Marila shared her story, explaining her role as a guardian. The rifle, she clarified, was not for harm but to ward off those who might exploit or pollute the river—her community’s lifeblood. Her role embodies the Suri people's deep relationship with the land and their unwavering commitment to its protection. For the Suri, an agro-pastoral community, the land and water are sacred. These resources are vital to their survival but also sources of conflict with neighboring tribes.

Marila’s story is intertwined with a larger struggle. The Suri’s way of life, deeply rooted in cattle herding and subsistence farming, has been increasingly threatened by diminishing access to land and water. In 2012, part of their ancestral territory was sold to investors behind the Koko plantation, a Malaysian-backed initiative focused on palm oil and export crops. Tensions escalated when government officials, predominantly from the rival Dizi ethnic group, were reportedly killed while marking boundaries for the plantation. This tragedy triggered a massacre, as detailed by Vice World News in 2014, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Suri people.

As I left the woodland that day, Marila’s quiet strength lingered in my thoughts. She is more than a protector of the river; she is the defender of her community’s heritage, standing firm against forces that threaten the land they have cherished for generations.

Portraits of two young Suri water guardians, each standing watch over the lifeblood of their community. The boy, without face paint, embodies a silent strength and readiness, while the girl, her face adorned with symbolic patterns, is deeply rooted in the forest, a reflection of the sacred connection between her people and the land.

"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 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.

Portraits 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.

Portrait of Suri child, standing quietly as part of a community that raises them together. Their expressions are 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.

The Artistic and Ethical Challenges

Photographing indigenous communities requires careful ethical considerations. It is essential to approach such projects with humility, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard and respected. In the case of the Omo Valley project, I made a conscious effort to collaborate with the Suri people throughout the process, allowing them to have agency in how they were represented.

As part of this collaboration, a portion of the proceeds from the project was donated to support the community’s needs, as identified by the Suri themselves. This approach emphasizes that the project is not about the photographer’s perspective alone, but a shared experience where the subjects are co-creators of the work.

Photography as Cultural Preservation

In an era marked by rapid globalization and environmental change, photography plays a crucial role in cultural preservation. Indigenous communities, such as those in the Omo Valley, are increasingly vulnerable to modernization and climate challenges. Many of their traditions, which have survived for centuries, now face the threat of disappearing. The role of photography in documenting these practices has never been more vital.

Through this project, Matilde has been able to create a visual archive that not only preserves the artistry of the Suri people but also raises awareness of the urgent need to protect these cultures. These images serve as a living record, allowing future generations to understand and appreciate the richness of the Suri’s cultural heritage.