The Wave is My Mother's Husband: A Piscatorial Theme in Pastoral Nilotic Ethnology

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	The Wave is My Mother's Husband: A Piscatorial Theme in Pastoral Nilotic Ethnology
Author:	Burton, John W.
Year:	1981
Periodical:	Cahiers d'études africaines
Volume:	21
Issue:	84
Pages:	459-477
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Sudan
Subjects:	Atuot traditional polities symbols Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Women's Issues
External link:	https://doi.org/10.3406/cea.1981.2282
Abstract:	The first of the two distinct yet closely related problems with which this article is concerned involves the nature of traditional political organisation and the symbolism of power among the Atuot of the Southern Sudan. The data presented in the course of this discussion invite comparison with descriptions of the Nuer and Dinka, peoples with whom the Atuot share their closest linguistic and cultural affinities. The second problem involves a speculative interpretation of why the Atuot, Nuer and Dinka languages share a common term for 'fishing spear' but employ different words in designating the 'war spear'. Unifying theme is oriented toward an understanding of the symbolism associated with war and fishing spears for the peoples concerned. An additional major concern of the article is to question the degree to which the importance of pastoralism has been over-emphasised, at the expense of agriculture, and above all, fisting, both of which constitute activities with a great deal more social and economic significance than has generally been atributed to them. Notes, ref., French sum. p. 623.