South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, is a land rich in culture and history, making it an ineresting destination for adventurous travelers. Nestled about 75 kilometers north of Juba, the capital lies the heart of the Mundari tribe, a small yet vibrant ethnic group comprising between 70,000 and 100,000 people.
My experience with the Mundari tribe in South Sudan in 2022 offered me an incredible glimpse into their unique way of life, shaped by a complex history and a deep connection to their cattle. Although we come from opposite ends of the world and very different lifestyles, in the end, we are too similar.
Brief History of the Mundari Tribe in South Sudan
The Mundari tribe’s story is intertwined with South Sudan’s tumultuous past. Gaining independence from Sudan in 2011 after a brutal 21-year civil war, the Mundari people played a significant role during the conflict, organizing militias and commando units in Eastern Equatoria and Darfur.
Despite these challenges, the tribe has maintained its identity and traditions, which are deeply rooted in the Nile Valley.
The Mundari Lifestyle
Though friendly and peaceful, the Mundari are armed, primarily to protect their herds from cattle rustlers, a significant threat in this region. Their culture is rich in traditions passed down orally through songs, dance, and poetry.
Daily, the children perform vital tasks, such as cleaning the camp and collecting dung, which they burn at sunset to ward off mosquitoes. The ashes serve multiple purposes, acting as a natural antiseptic for both people and cattle and even as a form of toothpaste.
In an intriguing twist, cattle urine is used for personal hygiene, washing hands, faces, and teeth, and is also used to bleach hair. This unique approach highlights the resourcefulness of the Mundari people and their profound relationship with their environment.
Beliefs and Customs
The Mundari tribe follows a blend of Christian and animistic beliefs, with rituals often incorporating elements from both faiths. One striking cultural practice is ritual scarification. While traditional scholars suggest that men must undergo initiation rites to earn their scars (a process involving three months spent with a village elder), my guide, turned friend, Fedrick, is from the tribe and described it more casually, likening it to getting a tattoo with friends.
Wrestling holds a special place in Mundari culture, with frequent competitions that draw participants and spectators alike. These events are not just contests of strength; they foster community bonds and celebrate cultural identity.
Cattle: The Heart of Mundari Society
Cattle are central to Mundari life, shaping their economy and social structure. The tribe primarily herds the magnificent Ankole-Watusi cattle, prized for their large horns. An individual’s status in society is largely determined by their cattle ownership; marriage dowries often range from 20 to 40 cows, highlighting the significance of cattle in personal and communal life.
At 38, one is considered an elder, typically settling with mothers and children to establish villages. Meanwhile, the younger generations tend to the cattle, moving with the seasons to ensure their herds thrive, making the Mundari a prime example of traditional African pastoral life.
Warm Culture, Warm Hearts
Visiting the nomadic Mundari tribe and their cattle was an amazing experience. Not only to learn about how they live but to see how easy it is to get along with anyone regardless of whether we “have anything in common” on the surface.
The Mundari people’s resilience and rich cultural heritage offer valuable lessons about the importance of identity, connection to nature, and community spirit.
If you ever have the chance to experience life with the Mundari, seize it. Their warmth, hospitality, and unique way of life will leave a lasting impression, reminding us all of the diverse tapestry of human existence.
How to Visit the Mundari
Contact Fedrick: +211 92 162 8654
We do not speak the same language, but we understand hand motions. We laugh at things we do not understand.
We try to keep our bodies strong, and we have families who we take care of. Some of us are shy, others are curious, but we are inherently the same.
We all have struggles, but also days of happiness. We all have wants and regrets. We are all human.
your content is so interesting!