Proverbs are windows into the popular knowledge of a society. Several Murle language everyday expressions reveal the intrinsic importance of cattle in Murle society. This post, continuously updated with proverbs, presents and explains some of these expressions, related to cattle but also to other popular knowledge. When an elder greets youth, he will often say… Continue reading Murle proverbs and popular knowledge
Category: Reflections & Contributions
Former paramount chief ŋantho Kavula on Murle origins and unity
Ngantho Kavula was the paramount chief for Pibor until his death in December 2013 in Juba, a victim of what was to become a civil war affecting all of the country. Originally from Kongor in Likuangole, he was a respected leader from Dorongwa age-set. In the recordings below, he shares his thoughts on the origins… Continue reading Former paramount chief ŋantho Kavula on Murle origins and unity
Lanngo age-set scarification photos
The power of Murle song and of pastoralism
The significance of cattle and resilience of pastoralism ‘When I was born I found cows around. The keeping and dying of cows is as important as human beings, there is no difference. The cow was sent by God from heaven to us, it was thrown down to us from heaven. The colour of the first… Continue reading The power of Murle song and of pastoralism
Laango age-set dance
This video clip shows a small group of boys and young men from the Laango age-set dancing in a cattle-camp along the Kong-Kong River, Pibor county May 2015. This video is not the popular style of Murle dancing, nor do Laango themselves often dance this way. This dance style is used along with a song… Continue reading Laango age-set dance