The oldest independent nation in Africa, Ethiopia is a mosaic of disparate peoples whose cultures, traditions, and observances go back to the first century when its capital, Axum, was the governing seat of a great empire.

Twice the size of France, it is the birthplace of the Blue Nile, and its Rift Valley is rich with volcanic lakes, huge escarpments, and great natural beauty. It was to this area that I traveled in my quest to find and photograph some of the people who inhabit independent, self-governing tribal homelands.

Whereas 500 years ago this was a land of many kingdoms and provinces beset with feuds and wars, along the present-day Omo Valley separate tribal communities maintain their isolated, insular locales and there is almost no communication between them. In these hamlets I was warmly welcomed and my arrival was often the occasion for music, dances, and celebrations.