Western Equatoria State Part 2

INDIGENOUS GROUPS WHICH RESIDE WITH WESTERN EQUATORIA

Avukaya people

Population

50,000+ people

Language

Avukaya Language is part of the Bantu speaking group

Traditions and Customs

The Avukaya concept of state and thus, political organisation is rudimentary if it has ever existed. Witchcraft, charm, oracles, play a dominant role in the lives of the Avukaya; particularly in the administration of justice. The chiefs appointed by the state wield power among their people.

Like the Azande, the Avukaya demonstrate a high degree of superstition and are prone to witchcraft and charm. On death, a person is believed to return to life in another form suggesting that existence of spirits of the departed, who are able to communicate with the living. The Avukaya believe in the existence of the super being (God).

The Avukaya produce excellent bark-cloth, baskets woven from barks and leaves of palm, different types and varieties of wooden craft, tables and chairs, bow and arrows and special iron knives and swords.t

Culture

The Avukaya culture and art is rich and expressed in songs, music and dance in self-praise. There is an intricate system of oracles and folklore which remained largely oral. 

Neighbour Relations

The Avukaya neighbour the Moro, Mundu and the Pöjulu. They seem to enjoy cordial relationship with their neighbours unlike the Azande.

Baka people

 

Population

25,000 to 30,000 people

Area of residence

 

Maridi County
Yei River County (Central Equatoria State)
 Watsa and Faradje in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 

Mythlogy

There is very little so far to indicate their origin. However, the Baka are said to have migrated from Central African Republic in the company of the Bongo, Jur ‘Beli, Moro Kodo and others. They are believed to have moved south-westwards to their present location as a result of Azande pressure.

Language

Baka language is related to the Bongo, Moro Kodo and Jur ‘Beli referred to as central Sudanic group.

Society

The Baka are predominantly agrarian and the most important social events that bring them together include hunting, marriage celebrations, funerals and funeral rituals, etc

Moru people

Name:

Moro or Moru

Mythology

The Moru are said to have come from West Africa but there is nothing in their memory that points to how they came to where they are presently. However, what remains sharply in their memory are the attacks by the Azande which drove the Moru onto a hill near Lui and the raids by slavers from Congo .

Language

Moru.The Moru language is related to the Madi, Avukaya, Lugbwara, Keliku and Lulubo.

Demographics and population:

80,000-100,000 people

The Moru nationality consists of clans or sections :

Meza (the largest)
Gbariba
Kediro
Agyi
Andri
Lakamadi
Nyamusa
Biti 
Wira

Area of residence

Mundri and Maridi Counties. 

Spirituality and beliefs

The Moru people have been greatly influenced by Christianity and many of them are Christians. Nevertheless, the traditional system of beliefs still endures in some areas. Sorcery is practiced. The rainmakers are respected and wield influence in the lives of the people.

It is difficult for a Moru to disobey a rainmaker unless a bad event occurs,in this circumstance the situation can only be treated by a rainmaker. There are also fortune-tellers and witch-doctors who can cleanse one of the bad omens inflicted by a wizard .

Images,References and Further Reading: Gurtong (1,2,3)