THE BRIDE AT A "GREAT MARRIAGE" IN THE COMOROS ISLANDS SITS BY A DISPLAY OF HER...

Natacha Soufianne, 33, the bride at a "great marriage" in the Indian Ocean Comoros islands, sits with golden jewellery presented to her by the groom, September 11, 2003. The "great marriage" is a colourful tradition on the main Comoros island of Grande Comore which dates back hundreds of years. Under the tradition, the groom must provide gifts of gold to the bride, which might cost an amount equivalent to thousands of U.S. dollars. Some Comorans spend much of their life savings on the jewellery and feasting required by a "great wedding," after which the husband joins an elite social rank that gives him special privileges such as the right to speak at certain kinds of public meetings. REUTERS/Antony Njuguna PP03090073 AN-