ABSTRACT
The essential feature of the marriage contract, which distinguishes between a licit and an illicit union, is the payment of the bride-price. Among the cattle-owning tribes this is essentially made in cattle; by the others traditionally in iron bars, but everywhere cash payments are tending to become part of the price. Amounts vary from tribe to tribe, and, in the tribe, according to the wealth and status of the individual, a chief paying considerably more for his bride than a commoner. In addition to the payment of the bride-price the bridegroom is expected in most tribes to work for one or two seasons for the bride's people, hoeing and building; the girl similarly will generally weed her husband's crops before the marriage takes place. The bride-price is frequently paid in instalments and the man is generally allowed to take his bride to his home when a reasonable proportion has been paid.
