The quest for a massive waistline is a cherished dream among every child of the Bodi tribe, where possessing the largest belly earns lifelong reverence from the community.
Bodi men, residing in the Bodi tribe (also known as Me'en) of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia, engage in fierce competition to become the fattest person during the Ka'el festival.
The Bodi tribe resides in a remote valley in Ethiopia. Annually, they hold a festival called Kael as a New Year's celebration ritual. During this festival, each family selects an unmarried man to participate in a six-month-long "belly-growing" challenge. During this time, they fatten themselves up with cow's b/l/o/o/d, fresh milk, and abstain entirely from "intimacy." The man with the largest belly at the end of the period is crowned as the most attractive, alluring all women in the tribe.
French photographer Eric Lafforgue sought out the Bodi tribe to document this unique experience. He stated, "Cows are considered sacred animals by the people, so they are not killed. Instead, a small incision is made on the vein to collect b/l/o/o/d, which is then sealed back with mud."
The young men participating in the festival stay in separate huts. Women of the tribe are tasked with caring for the men by delivering alcohol, milk, and cow's b/l/o/o/d in pots or bamboo tubes daily. They must drink it quickly before the mixture curdles and solidifies. Some even vomit and cannot stomach this "special" beverage.
Bodi women are attracted to men with big bellies. Hence, although there is no official award for the "largest waistline," the festival still attracts many participants hoping to garner attention from the women.
On the festival day, men cover their bodies with mud and dust before emerging from their huts.
Becoming the fattest man is every child's dream within the tribe. To this day, the Kael festival continues to be held annually in June.
However, the traditional lifestyle of the tribe is under threat as the Ethiopian government plans to resettle 300,000 people from all over the country to the valley where the Bodi people live.
"Fat men drink milk and b/l//o/o/d all day long. The first bowl of b/l/o/o/d is consumed at dawn. However, because of the tsetse flies infesting their huts, Bodi men must finish their bowl of b/l/o/o/d before it coagulates. While many can stomach it, some end up vomiting," the French photographer added.
Bodi men, residing in the Bodi tribe (also known as Me'en) of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia, engage in fierce competition to become the fattest person during the Ka'el festival.
The Bodi tribe resides in a remote valley in Ethiopia. Annually, they hold a festival called Kael as a New Year's celebration ritual. During this festival, each family selects an unmarried man to participate in a six-month-long "belly-growing" challenge. During this time, they fatten themselves up with cow's b/l/o/o/d, fresh milk, and abstain entirely from "intimacy." The man with the largest belly at the end of the period is crowned as the most attractive, alluring all women in the tribe.
French photographer Eric Lafforgue sought out the Bodi tribe to document this unique experience. He stated, "Cows are considered sacred animals by the people, so they are not killed. Instead, a small incision is made on the vein to collect b/l/o/o/d, which is then sealed back with mud."
The young men participating in the festival stay in separate huts. Women of the tribe are tasked with caring for the men by delivering alcohol, milk, and cow's b/l/o/o/d in pots or bamboo tubes daily. They must drink it quickly before the mixture curdles and solidifies. Some even vomit and cannot stomach this "special" beverage.
Bodi women are attracted to men with big bellies. Hence, although there is no official award for the "largest waistline," the festival still attracts many participants hoping to garner attention from the women.
On the festival day, men cover their bodies with mud and dust before emerging from their huts.
Becoming the fattest man is every child's dream within the tribe. To this day, the Kael festival continues to be held annually in June.
However, the traditional lifestyle of the tribe is under threat as the Ethiopian government plans to resettle 300,000 people from all over the country to the valley where the Bodi people live.
"Fat men drink milk and b/l//o/o/d all day long. The first bowl of b/l/o/o/d is consumed at dawn. However, because of the tsetse flies infesting their huts, Bodi men must finish their bowl of b/l/o/o/d before it coagulates. While many can stomach it, some end up vomiting," the French photographer added.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Bodi tribe:
1. Where is the Bodi tribe located?
The Bodi tribe, also known as the Me'en, resides in the Omo Valley, located in the southern part of Ethiopia.
2. What is the significance of the Ka'el festival among the Bodi people?
The Ka'el festival, held annually, marks the New Year for the Bodi tribe. It involves a six-month-long ritual where unmarried men compete to see who can gain the most weight, with the aim of achieving the largest belly.
3. How do the Bodi men prepare for the Ka'el festival?
In preparation for the festival, selected unmarried men consume large quantities of cow's b/l/o/o/d and fresh milk daily for six months. They also abstain from sexual activities during this period.
4. What is the purpose of drinking cow's b/l/o/o/d among the Bodi tribe?
Drinking cow's b/l/o/o/d is believed to be a source of strength and vitality among the Bodi people. It is consumed as part of the ritual to fatten up the participants for the Ka'el festival.
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| Every woman dreams that one day they will marry one of the fat men. |
5. How do women participate in the Ka'el festival?
Women in the Bodi tribe play a role in caring for the men participating in the festival. They deliver alcohol, milk, and cow's b/l/o/o/d to the men on a daily basis.
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| Every year, the Bodi tribe organizes a beauty contest for men. The man who is the fattest and heaviest will win the 'male queen' award. |
6. What happens during the Ka'el festival?
During the festival, the men emerge from their huts covered in mud and dust. The man with the largest belly at the end of the six-month period is celebrated and admired by the community.
7. Are there any specific criteria for determining the winner of the Ka'el festival?
The winner of the Ka'el festival is typically the man who has gained the most weight and achieved the largest belly size. This individual is regarded as the most attractive and desirable among the women of the tribe.
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| In the Bodi tribe, the highest standard for choosing a husband for a girl is a fat husband. |
8. What challenges does the Bodi tribe face in modern times?
Like many indigenous communities, the Bodi tribe faces challenges such as encroachment on their traditional lands, changes in government policies, and the impacts of globalization. Additionally, there are concerns about the preservation of their cultural heritage and way of life amidst modernization efforts.
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