ABSTRACT
In seeking an explanation for the value of marriage giftst that has increased, they say that the increase is due to the break-down of clan endogamous marriages. While marriage gifts in general have increased in value in years, equally significant is the fact that there is some range in the value of the gifts which are transferred in individual marriages. The kirsil of a girl's first marriage is expensive but the right of a previously unmarried youth to marry a girl without marital experience is not questioned. The marriage gift that is most variable in value is the tooshi, which is almost always a cash gift and is given in all marriages except the kogal sadaka. While any girl is flattered to have a high marriage payment made for her, some girls are sufficiently headstrong to insist on marrying a particular suitor whatever the marriage payment.
