Meet the Ethopian women who are beaten & scarred with canes & thorns to prove their strength

While its a crime to beat women in most parts of the world, Ethiopia's Hamar tribe females enjoy it.No screaming is permitted by the men wielding the canes & instead of fleeing, the women beg the men to do it again and again until blood flows, dripping into the gritty red dust of the Omo River Valley. Ceremonial beatings take place during the male initiation rites but also in the home when the husband chooses.Ritual beatings are carried out by a group of men called 'Maza', continue until the women's backs are left bloody Men and women from the Hamar tribe use thorns to create intricate scar patterns which are considered beautiful The Ethiopian tribe were photographed by Eric Lafforgue who travelled to the remote Omo River Valley to meet them Photos below