The Hamar people of Ethiopia The Hamer people of southwestern Ethiopia trace their origins to ancient Cushitic pastoralist migrations that moved down the Rift Valley several centuries ago, likely between the late first millennium CE and the early second millennium. Historically, they developed a strong cattle-herding culture that shaped their social life, economy, and rites of passage, including the famous bull-jumping ceremony. Their oral traditions preserve memories of migrations, alliances, and conflicts with neighboring groups such as the Dassanech, Konso, and Banna, showing how deeply connected they have been to wider East African movements. Distinctive hairstyles, ochre body decoration, and age-grade systems reflect cultural practices that have remained resilient despite outside pressures from imperial Ethiopia and regional shifts. Through trade, ritual specialists, and enduring pastoral traditions, the Hamer have maintained a rich identity that links them to both ancient Cushitic heritage and the dynamic history of the Omo Valley. #history