Small Surma Children

Small Surma Children

 African Ceremonies: Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher

Material:  Photograph

Location:  Sir Thomas More Building

Transforming the body with paint is a source of delight for small Surma children, like “dressing up” in the Western world. In this way they learn to decorate themselves for courtship rituals later in life. These little girls have painted their faces with identical designs to identify themselves as best friends. In anticipation of maturity they often encircle their nipples with white chalk lines.