Dinka Wood Headrest Central Africa

The Dinka, a Nilotic herder group in central Africa, speak Nilo-Saharan languages and are part of a larger group spread across the Nile Basin, northwestern Congo, Western Ethiopia, Southern Uganda and Kenya, northern Tanzania, and southern central Africa. They lead a nomadic lifestyle, moving seasonally in search of water and grazing land. While their historical background is unclear, they settled around 1800 and have a history of conflicts with neighboring peoples like the Atuot. Known for their prowess in defense against the Ottoman centuries ago, the Dinka value bravery, transmitted through the initiation of young boys who receive warrior equipment. Presently, they engage in cattle-raising and agriculture. Dinka art is less documented, but their personal adornments are remarkable. Their nomadic lifestyle is reflected in small, portable objects like stools and headrests, known as "thoch," carved from a single piece of wood. These serve as headrests and seats, protecting elaborate hairstyles. Considered very personal, these objects are believed to house the owner's soul, and similar pieces are associated with neighboring Bongo people.

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