Dinka

Way of life of the Dinka

The way of life of the Dinka is very reminiscent of the way of life of nomads. They live in homesteads made of mud huts with thatched roofs. Near the buildings are the fields where food is grown. When the soil is exhausted after a few years and no longer yields anything, the Dinka leave the place and build new houses and stables elsewhere to live and provide for themselves for the next few years. The main foods of the Dinka are millet, leafy vegetables, fish, meat and cow's milk. In some regions, rice is also included. Tools and weapons for hunting are made by the Dinka themselves. Spears are made from melted-down scrap metal and wooden sticks.

Marriage among the Dinka

A marriage among the Dinka is always finalized by the transfer of cattle to the bride's parents. This is supposed to be a form of compensation for the loss of a labor force. It is also not uncommon for a man to marry several women at the same time. This is a sign of prestige and enhances the groom's reputation.