A Mursi mother and child. The mother is wearing a large clay lip plate. Shortly before marriage, a girl's lower lip will be pierced and progressively stretched over a year or so while some of her teeth will be removed for the plate to fit snugly. The size of the lip plate often determines the quantum of the bride price. The reason for this singular practice is not fully understood but Mursi women claim that it enhances their beauty. The Mursi speak a Nilotic language and have affinities with the Shilluk and Anuak of eastern Sudan. They live in a remote area of southwest Ethiopia along the Omo River, the country's largest river, which flows over 600 miles before discharging its waters into Lake Turkana. Agriculture provides the basis of their livelihood with two crops possible a year.