Into the “Mouth of the Devil”: A Borana Rite of Passage

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Published Nov 3, 2025

In the arid heart of Ethiopia, twelve-year-old Wario begins the journey that will turn him from boy to man. As a member of the Borana tribe, he must learn the ancient and demanding trade of salt — a path of courage, endurance, and tradition.

Guided by his father, Wario descends into the “Mouth of the Devil,” a volcanic crater where men risk their lives to harvest salt. From there, he follows the caravan to the singing wells, where Borana men form human chains, singing in rhythm as they draw water from the earth.

With camels laden with salt and water, father and son set off across the desert on the legendary salt route — a journey that is both physical and spiritual, carrying the weight of survival, heritage, and manhood.