Jinka and visit to the Aari village

On arrival in Jinka, our first stop was the Omo Valley Museum, before driving out of town to visit a nearby village of the Aari people.
The Aari are the largest ethnic group in the South Omo Valley, and currently, there are more than 330,000 Aari people.
Many Aari believe they are not a migrant ethnic group, but rather that they are the original people of the Aari land. Some among the 62 different clans believe they originated from other neighbouring ethnic groups. Others believe that their ancestors came directly from the earth, water, and sun. The name Aari has its origins in a word meaning 'giving birth,' and now refers to both the people and the place where they live.
Here, our visit began by watching a lady preparing a sort of flat bread from corn, while some girls plaited Chelos' hair.
Then we went to see a woman making clay bowls and the local blacksmith. A relaxed community, Chelo handed out some sweets, and we enjoyed an informative walk through the countryside before returning to the town.Read more