Gezira, which later became part of Sudan, is the true origin of the Dinka people. They lived under the Kingdom of Alodia, a multi-ethnic empire dominated by the Nubians. Because of this, the Dinka tribe adopted some Nubian vocabulary.
The Dinka did not stay long in this region due to slave raids and military conflicts. Over time, many of them converted to Christianity. This happened because of wars in the cities, which forced educated elites to move to rural areas, where they spread the word of God.
However, it is important to remember that the Dinka also had their own gods and spirits. They believed these beings were invisible and did not interact with people directly.
Instead, they made sacrifices and offerings to these natural supreme beings.
The Dinka also practice initiation rituals. During these ceremonies, grown-up boys mark their foreheads with lines using sharp objects, which leave scars. After this, they are given a second cow-color name, which symbolizes their transformation into manhood.
The Dinka still follow their culture, especially in villages. Women are not allowed to eat with men, and during food or milk shortages, children are given priority.
The Dinka are known for their tall height. Roberts and Bainbridge reported an average height of 182.6 cm in a sample of 52 Dinka Agaar men. According to the 2008 Sudan census, the Dinka made up 40% of the population, making them the largest ethnic tribe in South Sudan.
They speak both Nuer and Luo languages. The Dinka are highly independent and do not have a centralized authority. Instead, they depend on interlinked clans.
Some of these clans provide ritual chiefs, known as masters of the fishing spear, who take on leadership roles.
Cattle keeping is highly valued by the Dinka. Vegetation is also important for providing pasture for their cattle. South Sudan has a large landscape, divided into four sub-regions:
- Highlands – These areas are slightly higher than the surrounding plains by a few centimeters. They are further divided into open thorn woodland or open mixed woodland with grasses.
- Intermediate lands – These areas have open perennial grasslands with some acacia woodlands and sparsely distributed trees. They are slightly lower than the highlands.
- Toic – These areas are mainly used for cattle grazing because they retain enough moisture throughout the dry season.
- Sudd – These are permanent swamps and are considered the largest in the world. They provide a habitat for many wild species and are also important for human activities.
There is a lot to see in Dinka land. Always visit them when in South Sudan!
