Bumi Tribe

The Bumi or Bume people are also known as the Nyangatom.  They live south of the Omo National Park, but occasionally move to the lower regions if food or water is scarce.  Known to be fierce fighters, they are often at war with Hamer and Karo tribes.  Different from other tribes, the Bumi tribesmen hunt crocodiles using harpoons and a canoe.

Scarification is practiced by both men and women in the tribe.  The women do it to beautify themselves and the men to signify a kill.  Both sexes wear a lot of multi colored necklaces and May also have a lower lip plug.

The tribe practices both agriculture and cattle herding.  Flood waters must recede along the river’s banks before they will plant their crops.  Beehives are smoked out by the Bumi and they gorge themselves with the honey.