Notes on the Bodhi Tribe of Ethiopia

Introduction

• Focus on the Bodhi tribe in the Omaha Valley.
• Unique cultural perspective on body image and fat.
• Contest to decide the fattest man in the tribe.
• Exploration of why fat is considered sexy among the Bodhi tribe.

Bodhi Tribe Overview

• Also known as the Main.
• Semi-nomadic tribe located in southern Ethiopia, 140 km from Jin Cassidy.
• Engaged in farming and livestock rearing.
• Use the barter trading system; travel long distances for weekly markets.

Fattening Ritual

• Annual competition around the new year (June - July) known as "Kyle Strange".
• Unmarried men from each of the 14 clans compete for biggest waistline.
• Six-month preparation period involving extreme fattening.
  • Diet primarily consists of blood and fresh milk.
  • Participants prohibited from sex and leaving their homes during this period.

The Ceremony

• Contestants display their weight after tribal dances.
• The fattest contestant is declared the winner.
• Winner gains hero status and can choose any woman to marry.
• Dowry includes 10 cows from the winner's father and 30-36 cows for the bride's family.

Life After the Competition

• Post-ceremony, men's lives return to normal.
• Most contestants lose weight shortly after the competition.
• Cycle of selecting new competitors begins soon after.

Cultural Context

• Fattening as a cultural norm; contrasts with harmful practices in some tribes (e.g., female genital mutilation).
• Discussion on the evolution of traditions and potential government intervention in practices.

Conclusion

• Bodhi tribal rituals can be viewed as rational within their context.
• Encouragement for audience feedback regarding the continuation of such practices.
• Host: Murphy.