Similar to other tribes in the Omo region, the Bodi place great value on their livestock, making it a significant role in marriage, divination, and name-giving rituals. A testament to this value is the complex classification they give their cattle, using over eight words to denote different colours and patterns.
In terms of marital arrangements, I soon learned that marriage in the Bodi community is very transactional - an exchange from one lineage to another. However, the boy and girl involved surprisingly get afforded a relative amount of freedom in the selection, only needing to consult both parents once they have agreed on their choice. If by some chance, the parents do not approve, the young couple may choose to elope, only returning once their stance has been made clear to the community.