The painted faces, the jewelled ornaments, the scarified bodies, the headdresses, clever assemblages of plants or feathers, are only appreciated through the eyes of others, of friends and neighbours.

The great reporter Hans Silvester discovered the Omo Valley in 2002. Initially, he went there to meet the researchers of Lucy, the oldest human being. It was with Moulou, his faithful guide, that he finally met the various local peoples. Fascinated by their way of life, he develops strong ties with the tribes. His photographs reveal the various body paintings of these peoples, attesting to the photographer's patience and the trust he was able to instil. These pictures reveal their art, their generosity and the precarious balance they maintain with nature. These numerous photographs bring us closer to these people, along the banks of the Omo.

Retour De Voyage has selected this photo to capture the artistic power employed in these body paintings.