Inspired by the fascinating color photographs of the native tribes at the Omo River by Hans Silvester and Gianni Giansantis, I decided late 2013 to make a photo journey through south-western Ethiopia. The local tribes belong to the Surma, Mursi, Hamar or Karo which are the few remaining original tribes of this region. During the making of these predominently portrait photos production I tried to impart, for western eyes, the surreal exoticism of jewelry or body paintings with the authentic pride of the people. It seemed to me like a dream to have the chance of making pictures in a region where nudity is natural. Although I was well prepared, I was surprised by the amount and the quality of the images I brought back home. As if some of their magic and aura had been transferred to the photographs, this trip created a work full of timeless beauty which could not be ephemeral. Much more than at the beginning of tourism in those areas, modern weapons, alcohol and the increasing trade with cheap consumer products are interfering with the self- sufficient way of living of these people. How long will it take before my pictures are evidence of an extinct culture?