The Boya Tribe, also referred to as Laarim or Narim, lives in the Boya Hills. Their settlement was chosen for security purposes during the civil wars, as it is difficult to observe their shelters from afar.
This made their community peaceful and safe, making it a lovely place to visit. The Boya people number between 20,000 and 25,000 and live in Budi County, part of the Greater Kapoeta region in Eastern Equatoria State.
The Boya are agro-pastoralists, meaning they cultivate crops such as sorghum, maize, and beans but primarily focus on herding.
Cattle hold great value, as they are used for dowry (bride price), and their blood and milk are consumed. They also hunt and fish to supplement their diet.
The Boya people speak Surmic Narim, a language related to that of the Dinka, Tenet, and Murle.
Geography & History
Their landscape is rugged and has rough terrain, with a few shrub-covered outcrops. The savannah vegetation is surrounded by tall grasslands and thick shrubs, which provide pasture for cattle and farmland for agriculture.
Historically, the Boya are believed to have migrated from Ethiopia and are considered relatives of the Dinka, Murle, and Tenet. They have lived in their current location since the 18th century.
Social Organization and Traditions
The social structure of the Boya is similar to that of the Didinga, especially in marriage and dowry traditions and rituals related to childbirth, naming, death, and funeral rites.
Like other tribes in South Sudan, the Boya practice initiation rituals to mark the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Boys undergo initiation between 18 and 20 years old. Girls undergo initiation at 14 years old.
Their main food consists of beef and game meat, which form a major part of their diet.
Beliefs & Religion
The Boya people believe in a supreme being who controls life and the well-being of their cattle. They also respect and honor their ancestors, believing that their spirits still roam around them.
They communicate with these spirits through prayers, worship, and offerings, which are made at sacred ritual sites.
The Boya share the same rainmaker as the Didinga and perform rain-making rituals together. However, their traditional beliefs have been influenced by Catholicism, due to the arrival of missionaries, who played a major role in spreading Christianity.
Leadership & Decision-Making
Traditional decision-making was in the hands of four male elders, chosen based on:
- Wealth (measured by property or cattle owned)
- The number of wives they had
- Their background in war and fighting experience
These elders were respected fighters, referred to as eloquents, and their leadership helped maintain peace among the Boya people.
Visit the Boya Community
You are welcome to the Boya community!
