South Sudan

The world's youngest nation, South Sudan holds Nilotic cattle cultures such as the Dinka and Nuer with deep pastoral knowledge.

Nature & herbalism Spirituality & rites Textile & dress Music & dance Food & cooking

Knowledge in this place

Dinka cattle culture

Dinka cattle culture

Cattle are central to Dinka wealth, song, naming and marriage exchange.

Nature & herbalism

Nuer scarification

Nuer scarification

Forehead markings (gaar) traditionally signal a young man's passage to adulthood.

Spirituality & rites

Corset beadwork

Corset beadwork

Beaded corsets and necklaces mark age, status and readiness for marriage.

Textile & dress

Cattle praise songs

Cattle praise songs

Improvised songs composed by herders to praise their favourite oxen.

Kisra flatbread

Kisra flatbread

A thin fermented sorghum flatbread eaten with stews and sauces.