Always on top: why Banna men prefer to walk on stilts

For most of us, stilts are something that belongs to the realm of entertainment. These devices are most often associated with the circus and various festive shows. But for the Banna people of Ethiopia, stilts are part of their daily life. For a Banna man, owning stilts is as natural as sneakers are for us. But why did the Banna choose this not-so-easy way of getting around?

This people are called by different names. There are variants "banya", "ben" or "benna", but the most common name is still the Banna. More than 47 thousand people consider themselves to be of this people, living mainly in the southwest of Ethiopia. This people is very ancient. It is believed that the ancestors of the Banna were the Omotic people, who inhabited the Omo River valley for thousands of years.

Among the Banna there are Christians, Muslims and even a few pagans. Although this tribe has one language, the inhabitants of remote villages do not always understand each other well because of the different dialects. The Banna people are engaged in the usual activities for their region - hunting, cattle breeding and some agriculture. They have a monarchical system and the people are ruled by a king.

In general, the Banna are a very ordinary African people. They would probably never have been known outside of Ethiopia if it weren’t for one unique feature. Banna boys and young men prefer to move around on stilts. They can be of different heights – the longest ones reach several meters and require great skill to move.

Today it may seem like an exotic custom, but stilts were once a matter of survival. The savannah is full of predators, and most animals instinctively avoid creatures that seem taller than them. That's why Banna men began using stilts for hunting and herding.

But over time, this skill acquired other meanings. Walking on stilts became part of rituals associated with growing up, good luck in hunting, and protection from evil spirits. Young Banna men don’t just walk — they dance, jump, and even perform complex acrobatic tricks, demonstrating their strength, agility, and skill.

Stilt dancing is considered particularly spectacular. This ritual has existed for hundreds of years and symbolizes strength, masculinity and connection with the spirits of ancestors. Dancers paint their bodies with white stripes and dots, reminiscent of zebras, and perform complex movements to the rhythmic beat of drums.

For the Bann, the ability to use stilts is a mandatory skill for an adult male. This element is even present in the initiation rite, when a young man proves his readiness to enter adulthood. If a boy has not mastered the stilts, he may be considered immature.

Banna start using stilts from early childhood. Already in their teens, they move on them with ease, performing jumps and pirouettes. However, over the years, even the most agile men gradually abandon this tradition. Health problems take their toll, and in old age, most return to normal walking.

Although... some manage to maintain their dexterity until old age. In villages you can meet elderly men who, if the opportunity arises, will easily jump on stilts and give the youth a head start!

Stilt dancing is not the only feature of this people. Tourists who come to local festivals discover many interesting crafts. The Banna are famous for their wooden figurines, woven baskets, ceramics and beaded jewelry. All these things can be bought at souvenir markets, bringing home a piece of unique African culture.

What do you think about this unusual way of moving? Would you like to try yourself in the art of walking on stilts? Share your thoughts in the comments!