These fascinating photographs show warriors in southern Ethiopia downing pints of cow's blood before fighting each other with sticks in a bid to impress women.

The 'Donga', or stick fight, is practised by Suri tribesmen at the end of each harvest. It combines combat with ritual and sport and aims to get young men used to bloodshed - which leaders believe comes in handy if they clash with other tribes.

Before a Donga, some Suri drink the fresh blood of their cattle. A warrior will make a small incision in the cow's carotid artery with a special sharp arrow. The tribe believe it to be full of vitamins to give fighters strength.

The one-on-one battles take place between different Suri villages with around 20 to 30 fighters on each side. The fights can be furious and can result in death, but there are also rules in place enforced by a referee.