Known For: Cattle culture, body scarification, ritual hunting, and traditional succession ceremonies
The Bodi Tribe (also called Me’en) lives in the Omo Valley north of the Mursi, sharing many cultural traits with them. Primarily pastoralists, the Bodi rely almost entirely on cattle herding for their livelihood, with limited flood-based agriculture near the Omo River. Their world revolves around livestock—used for food, wealth, spiritual rituals, and social structure. Every newborn boy receives an ox and a cow from his father, symbolizing his entry into the pastoral economy.
The Bodi have an elaborate cattle classification system, with more than 80 distinct terms for colors and hide patterns. To avoid overgrazing, they migrate with their herds and set up temporary camps, often using slash-and-burn techniques to regenerate grazing land.
Appearance & Body Culture
Bodi men wear simple wraps made from cotton or bark cloth, and women dress in goatskin skirts tied around the waist and shoulders. Like the Mursi, both men and women keep short-cropped hairstyles and wear ear plugs, while women also pierce their lower lips, inserting nails or wooden plugs—similar to the Karo.
Scarification is practiced for aesthetic and symbolic purposes, especially among women, creating intricate raised patterns across the body.
Diet and Traditions
The Bodi diet is built on a mix of milk, cattle blood, and dry porridge made from sorghum or maize. Blood is drawn painlessly from the cow’s neck and stored in calabash gourds, serving as a vital protein source during dry seasons.
Marriage Customs
Marriage among the Bodi involves both arranged and consensual unions, with three recognized forms:
- Eukola – arranged marriage
- Neyneda – consensual marriage
- Marriage by inheritance
Dowries are paid in cattle—typically 30 to 36 cows—distributed among the bride’s relatives. A groom also receives 10 cattle from his father, and gives his wife threemilking cows after the wedding.
Succession Ritual: The Komoro Ceremony
The Komoro is the traditional leader of the Bodi. When he dies, elders conduct a symbolic succession ceremony. The Komoro’s beaded necklace is dipped first in cattle blood, then milk, and finally passed to the eldest son, who is smeared with blood and blessed as the new leader.
Hunting Tradition (Abakto)
Before hunting, men consult a tribal sorcerer to predict success. After killing large game—like buffalo or lion—the hunter returns with the skin and horns. His father sacrifices a cow, and the hunter is blessed with its blood. A celebration follows, featuring traditional dancing and feasting.
Visit the Bodi with Omo Region Tours, the #1-rated local tour operator on TripAdvisor, and witness ancient traditions that have endured for centuries—far from the reach of modern life.