Dutch photographer Henk Bothof has been visiting the Suri people of Ethiopia for over 20 years. From the very first encounter, he was deeply moved by their traditional culture and way of life. Over time, he built a close and lasting relationship with the community—becoming one of the few outsiders granted permission to photograph every aspect of Suri life.
His work captures the Suri’s most striking customs: the iconic lip plates, scarification, ceremonial stick fighting, body painting, and even the drinking of cow’s blood. Beyond these, Bothof was also welcomed into more private and sacred rituals, such as naming ceremonies and the gerari, a cleansing ritual.
What sets Bothof’s work apart is not just his close access to the Suri people, but his approach. His photographs are born from a deep fascination with the raw, pure beauty of the Suri, in all their color, strength, and individuality.
Whether confrontational or serene, sober or vibrant, his images freeze the passage of time. The 80 photographs collected in this volume are intimate yet majestic, poetic yet powerful—a magical record of a culture on the edge of change. Bothof portrays them with dignity, honesty, and profound respect.
As his Suri friend Barkede says: “I am happy and proud that Henk conveys the beauty of Suri culture in this book. It means a lot to us.”
KUNI ORI COLLECTORS EDITION
Pre-sale Announcement
‘Kuni Ori’: – comes in a luxury linen box – includes three signed and numbered photo prints – with original hand-baked lip plate Expected release : Winter 2025
pre-sale PRICE FIRST 25 COPIES € 2495,-
Release price € 2995,-
Autor
Henk Bothof
Preface
Vincent Mentzel
INTRODUCTION
Angelique van Os
Story of Barkede
Barkede Belemuyi Heragolona
Uitgeverij Komma
Design by Toko
Binding
Hardcover / Swiss pasted / Color on edge
Volume
192 pages / 33 x 48,5 cm
Box
42 x 55 CM
Art PRINTs
Size: 41,5 x 55 CM
Langue
English / SURI
Copies
75
ISBN
978-90-834566-8-3
NUR
653
THE making of Kuni Ori
“I was fifteen when Henk first visited our village. I was, as I am now, a local guide, but did not yet speak English. Henk was one of the first photographers to appear interested in our people. Even then, he was funny and friendly. And he was different; he took time for the people he brought in front of his lens. Henk is family to me and to many others in our community. We are always happy when he comes back.
Anye bere ngakalidonu oyonyaa ganyu a tɔmɔn huna bere Henk kuno ɔra nayo. Anye nɔ kihi damiya bere sabune shi ,bhee kanɛ ɔkɔley surichɛnde ,nɔ shɔɔ ngakaldonu Arnjashɛn kimagiyɔ.Nɔ Henk a hira bo bucho hotonya( photo) na nɔ dadata dɔlana damiyea zuga kee suri. Nɔ a hira bu hinea hɔla na hino zugo .nɔ a hira iho bichagi dogoni; nɔ shɔɔ sabɔ hunde hiri ngani kɔbɔshoye dakanɛ kail na buy wortɔ . nɔ Henk hɛt ku bhɛnɛniya nanu na zugo ga mɛra gayɛyɔ Na nɔng shɔɔ hunde kunde hinsa nɛnɛ a hɔli hunde koro nɔye.
The photographer deserves great respect—not only because he devoted so much time and energy to this extraordinary project, but above all because he has preserved the history of the Suri people for eternity in this magnificent book.
My images are taken from an unconditional fascination for the pure beauty of the Suri in all their appearances. From confronting to modest, from sober to exuberant, while time is of no consequence. The Suri are very persistent in clinging to their traditions and rituals; traditions that present their values and knowledge built over ages. They show their feelings, emotions and power in a pure untouched manner.
3 art prints numbered and signed
