The Dassanech tribe is a semi-nomadic ethnic group that lives near the northern shores of Lake Turkana, in the southernmost part of Ethiopia close to the Kenyan border. They are among the most southern tribes of the Omo Valley and are known for their adaptability to the harsh, arid environment. Traditionally, they are agro-pastoralists—raising cattle, goats, and sheep while also growing crops like sorghum and maize depending on the season and water availability.

The Dassanech people are known for their elaborate adornments and hairstyles. Dassanech women often wear jewelry and headpieces made from recycled materials such as bottle caps, beads, and aluminum—demonstrating a unique creative expression in their appearance. Men and women both practice scarification as a form of beauty, identity, and cultural pride. The tribe is also known for its strong warrior tradition, and age-based ceremonies play a significant role in social structure.

Body painting is practiced during festivals and initiation rituals, and traditional dances are performed during communal celebrations. Despite modernization pressures, the Dassanech maintain their cultural customs and rituals, often passed down orally through generations. Wealth in the tribe is typically measured by the number of livestock a person owns, and the camel remains a vital symbol of status and survival in their arid homeland.