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“Tribal Ethiopia”
Interview with Ingetje Tadros
By Beverly Ejedawe

Ingetje Tadros is a world-renowned photographer, who began traveling at seventeen years old. Originally from the Netherlands, she started her journey with only a camera and an idea; to uncover the hidden beauty in the world. Over the course of thirty years, Ingetje has traveled to over forty countries across six continents. She has worked as a volunteer photographer for the Amsterdam World Museum, as well as a travel consultant for the publication Nouvelles Frontieres. Ingetje has captured the images of the world’s indigenous cultures, and has given people access to their rich traditions and culture that might have otherwise not been seen.

This summer Ingetje Tadros published her first book, Tribal Ethiopia. Tribal Ethiopia is visually stunning photo compilation that documents the indigenous Ethiopian tribes of the Omo River Valley, and the potential loss of their ancestral homeland as a proposed large-scale hydroelectric plant goes underway within their community. I sat down with Ingetje to discuss the new book, and her experiences with the indigenous tribes of the Omo River Valley.

VSM: Hello Ingetje, thank you for sitting down with Valley Scene Magazine for this interview. What inspired you to create this book?

IT: I was interested in photography at a young age. I have never taken a photography class; I am completely self-taught. Over the course of my travels, I accumulated so many photographs but never pursued to have them published. Two years ago my husband said to me, "your pictures are amazing, you should get serious and try to have them published!”. Our kids are adults now, so now I have had the time to pursue photography in a more professional manner, and not just as a hobby. During a recent trip to Ethiopia, I was inspired by the people I met and the idea of my book came up.

VSM: Please give us insight into the origins of the tribes of the lower Omo River Valley.

IT: The tribes Lower Omo Valley are an amazing community. The Omo River Valley is located in the south-western region of Ethiopia. Most of the land is unspoiled, and many different tribes have lived there for centuries. The tribes include the Karo, Surma, Geleb, Hammer, Bume, Mursi and many others. The Mursu and Surma tribes are known for the large lip plates worn by the women of the community. The Karo and Hammer tribes are well known for their intricate and detailed body painting. The culture in the Omo River Valley is rich and diversified.

VSM: Why the hydroelectric dam is being built, and why does this threaten the existence of the tribes?

IT: The proposed dam will be the second largest hydroelectric dam in Sub Saharan Africa. The dam will provide 1,800 megawatts of electricity, which will more than double the country’s current generating capacity. According to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, this will solve the nation’s energy crisis. The problem with the proposed dam is that it will reduce the flooding into the Omo River Valley. The tribes in the valley depend on the annual floods for the cultivation of crops. The creation of this new dam would deplete the food source for the people of the Omo River Valley. The situation is very tense because the tribal communities have not been consulted regarding this project. Their way of life is in danger. One tribal elder commented on the dire nature of the situation, “Let them first bring helicopters to kill us all; then the government can build its dam.”

VSM: What was the deciding factor for the pictures that made it into the book?

IT: There was a lot of editing that went into the book. Hundreds of pictures were taken, but I chose the images that I felt had a message and evoked emotion by just looking at it. I was so moved by my journey within the Omo River Valley, I wanted this book to reflect those feelings.

VSM: Are you planning a follow-up trip to the Omo River Valley?

IT: I would truly love to! In the future I would stay much longer to gain a deeper connection with the people.

VSM: Any parting remarks for our readers?

IT: I hope I have inspired an interest in people to learn more about other cultures, such as the people of the Omo Valley. Despite the differences of cultures around the world, there is always a unifying force of humanity within all.

VSM: Thank you very much Ingetje.

IT: Thank you! It was my pleasure. Tribal Ethiopia is available for purchase on amazon.com. For additional information about the tribes of the Omo River Valley, or to learn about other communities photographed by Ingetje, please visit her website: www.ingetjetadros.com

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