The Mundari, also referred to as Mandari, are a small ethnic group and one of the Nilotic peoples, living north of the capital of Juba, South Sudan. Like other Nilotic tribes, their culture and economy are profoundly cattle-oriented, revolving around the majestic, long-horned Ankole-Watusi breed. These “cattle of kings,” characterized by horns that can span up to eight feet, are a financial asset, a form of currency (especially for the bride price), and the supreme symbol of status and power. A man’s position in Mundari society is often gauged by the size and shape of his Ankole-Watusi herd.
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The bond between the Mundari and their cattle is exceptionally intimate and spiritual. I found living with the tribe for three days an exceptional experience, witnessing firsthand how the cattle are treated like members of the family. The daily rhythms of the semi-nomadic cattle camps are dedicated to their care. Children collect cow dung to be burned at dusk and dawn, creating smoky fires that repel mosquitoes. The resultant fine, white ash is then lovingly massaged into both the cattle’s and the Mundari’s bodies, acting as a natural antiseptic, sunscreen, and fly repellent.
In Mundari tradition, cattle are considered sacred, playing a vital role in every life event, including religion, birth, and marriage. They provide sustenance through milk and blood, though they are rarely slaughtered for meat. This immense cultural value means that the Mundari are heavily armed to protect their precious herds from cattle rustlers, as the lives of the animals are sometimes deemed more important than those of humans. Furthermore, the Mundari utilize every part of the cow, even practicing the application of cow urine to wash hands, faces, and bleach their hair to a desirable orange-yellow hue, which is worn with pride.
