Read my Lips by Ivan Ferrer | The Rich History of the Lip Plate

The lip plate, worn by many Mursi women, especially unmarried girls and newlywed women, is more than just an ornament. It serves as a visual expression of cultural pride, and for the Mursi, it holds immense social significance. In the photograph, the lip plate is not simply a fashion statement but a symbol of a woman's status and her role within the community. Traditionally, the plates are worn on important occasions, such as serving food to men, milking cows, and during significant rituals like weddings. Each time it’s worn, it signals the woman’s place in society and her adherence to traditions passed down through generations.

Ferrer’s composition draws attention to the details of the lip plate and the woman’s face, emphasizing the importance of this cultural practice in a world that often overlooks such traditions. The close-up view of the lip plate also sparks curiosity about the practice itself—its origins, how it’s made, and why it remains such a potent symbol of beauty and identity. Ferrer subtly highlights that while the world’s definitions of beauty are diverse, they are all deeply tied to cultural roots and the way societies view gender roles.

What adds complexity to the image is the shift in tradition when a woman’s husband dies. At that point, the lip plate is removed, as it is believed that her external beauty fades with his passing. This detail adds layers to the photograph, revealing how beauty, identity, and marital status are intertwined in Mursi culture. In Read my Lips, Ferrer captures not just the surface of a tradition but its deeper connections to the life experiences of the women in the Mursi tribe, making the viewer reflect on the nature of beauty, change, and cultural expression.