As aestheticians stabilize their theories by explaining why highly prized works of art are so valued, the explanation for the Nilotes’ appreciation of well-marked cattle might be sought in what they value most highly. For the peoples who are the focus of this essay, it is bold pied markings. For the Western Dinka at least, it is in particular the black-and-white configurations majok and marial (Lienhardt, 1961: 15).