Meet the Ethopian women who're beaten & scarred with canes & thorns to prove their energy

 While its an offense to beat feamales in most areas of the planet, Ethiopia's Hamar tribe females enjoy it. No screaming is permitted by the men wielding the canes & rather than fleeing, the ladies beg the men to repeat and again until blood flows, dripping into the gritty red dust of the Omo River Valley.
Ceremonial beatings take place through the male initiation rites but also in the home when the husband chooses. 

Continue after the break.

Ritual beatings are carried out by several men called'Maza ', continue before the women's backs are left bloody Men and women from the Hamar tribe use thorns to create intricate scar patterns which are thought beautiful The Ethiopian tribe were photographed by Eric Lafforgue who travelled to the remote Omo River Valley to generally meet them
More photos below