The Nuer People of Southern Sudan

The Nuer people live mostly in Southern Sudan, in the Upper Nile Province around the junction of the Nile River and the Bahr el Ghazal and Sobat River, and extend up the Sobat across the border into Ethiopia (Jenkins). The center of the Nuer area is around Lake No. The Nuer are believed to be descended from a distinct race of people who arose at the time cattle were introduced into the area, and oral tradition indicates that the Nuer moved east of the Nile only during the last 200 years. They began an active migrations in the 1800s, and as they moved eastward, they pushed the Anuak people further east into Ethiopia. During this period, many Dinka people were incorporated into the Nuer community, and Atuot and Nuer traditions indicate origins with the Dinka in what is known as Western Nuerland. All three groups are considered by some to be of the same ethnic group. Tradition says these three groups separated over disputes over cattle ownership. The Nuer are tall and dark, and their culture and that of the Dinka are similar. The Nuer call themselves Naath, meaning "human beings." They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Southern Sudan and western Ethiopia (Nuer).

Cattle are the most important possession for the Nuer (Jenkins; The Dinka). Their life depends on cattle and Nuer men will risk their life to defend them or to raid their neighbor's cattle. The worldview of the Nuer is built around the herds and prestige is measured by the quantity and quality of

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ed by their age set which cuts across kinship ties, promoting broader social solidarity. Young men often cooperate in secret ritual or craft performances together, and individuals remain closely associated with their age set throughout their lives. (Columbia Encyclopedia). A man is named for the coloring of the ritual bull given to him at initiation (Jenkins). As well as being a central part of their lifestyle, cattle also play a central role in Nuer religion and ritual (Jenkins). Cows are dedicated to the ghosts of the owner's lineage and any personal spirits which may have possessed them. The Nuer establish contact with their ancestral spirits by rubbing ashes along the backs of cows and oxen dedicated to them through the sacrifice of cattle. Sacrifice is a part of any important Nuer ceremony. The Nuer are animalistic in their religion, but also worship a supreme being called Kowth, who takes on various manifestations, and some Nuer claim to have personal relationships with him. The Nuer offer sacrifices to Kowth to pray for health and well-being,. There is no organized religious hierarchy, but some individuals serve as diviners or healers. The Nuer do not believe in an afterlife, but do believe the spirits of the d

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