In the heart of South Sudan lies a community whose bond with nature’s creations is as ancient as the land itself—the Mundari people. Part of the broader Karo ethnic group, the Mundari’s life revolves around one defining element: their cattle. These magnificent animals are far more than livestock. They are symbols of wealth, status, and beauty. For the Mundari, cattle are life itself, and each animal is a cherished companion. The men pamper the cows and cattle by massaging them daily. Not only that, they even guard them with machine guns.
But that is not all. Mundari people have adapted some strange practices that would be impossible for some to even imagine. They scar their own bodies to symbolize various things and even use cow pee to bathe. Let’s dive into the world of Mundari to see their life and understand the reasons behind their bizarre practices.
The Mundari People
The Mundari belong to the Karo ethnic group, which includes tribes like the Bari, Pojulu, Kakwa, Kuku, and Nyangwara. Within the Mundari, a language known as Kutuk na Mundari weaves the tales of their culture and connection to the land. Here, cattle do not merely roam. They represent a family’s fortune, a young man’s path to marriage, and a symbol of strength within the community. They are even called the “bride price.”
Cattle, like the revered Ankole-Watusi breed, are often called “the cattle of kings.” They often grow to astonishing heights of eight feet and each one is worth close to $500. These are not mere animals; they are woven into every aspect of Mundari life.
Mundari Men pamper their cows and cattle by massaging them at least twice a day. They even sleep among their cattle. According to the words of Photographer Tariq Zaidi, who spent a fortnight with them, the men sleep “literally two feet away from their favorites.”

Daily Life of a Cattle Herder
A typical day for a Mundari herder revolves around the cattle, which are not only a livelihood but also central to social life. Mundari herders spend their days grazing and caring for the animals. This daily routine also strengthens community ties, as cattle herding is often a group activity.
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of cattle to the Mundari people. These animals are everything to them.”
Photographer Tariq Zaidi, who spent a fortnight documenting their lives
However, this close relationship with cattle also leads to conflicts with neighboring tribes, particularly the Bor Dinka. During the dry season, the Mundari engage in cattle raiding wars with the Bor Dinka. These raids are a long-standing tradition and reflect both the Mundari’s reliance on cattle and the value they place on defending their resources.

Rituals and Symbolism: Why Mundari Men Bathe in Cow Urine
Among the Mundari, the relationship with cattle extends beyond mere survival—it is woven into their very identity. In a practice unique and sacred to them, Mundari men bathe their hair in cow urine. Though unusual to the outsider, this urine bath contains uric acid, coloring their hair with vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues. To the Mundari, this is beauty, a display of pride, and a mark of connection to the creatures they hold dear.
The cow’s contributions do not end there. The very dung of these animals is burned, its ash turned into a pale powder that the herders apply as a sunscreen and antiseptic, a silent shield against the harsh sun. In this way, the Mundari stand adorned in the colors of their cattle, their skin protected by nature’s gifts, as they walk amidst their herds like guardians of an ancient way of life.
Photographer Zaidi says that the Mundari men are tall and well-built. In terms of their physique, Zaid describes them as “look like bodybuilders.” Surprisingly, their diet is pretty much milk and yogurt.


Agricultural and Hunting Practices: Sorghum, Fish, and the Land’s Bounty
The Mundari do not rely solely on their cattle. They cultivate sorghum, a staple crop grown in harmony with the land, showcasing their ingenuity and resourcefulness. Traditional fishing methods bring the bounty of the waters into their homes, nets, and spears skillfully capturing fish to sustain the community. These practices reflect a balanced relationship with nature, a reverence for the earth’s provisions, and a deep-rooted understanding of sustainability that has supported the Mundari for generations.

Rites of Passage: Scarification as a Cultural Tradition
For a young Mundari man, maturity and courage are etched into his skin. Scarification, a rite of passage among the Mundari, marks a transition into adulthood—a declaration of bravery and resilience. The scars, carved with precision, remain as visible emblems of endurance and identity. Each line tells a story of a journey undertaken, a threshold crossed. Women, too, bear scars, especially on their bellies, a mark that signifies marriage and commitment, woven deeply into their cultural heritage.

Similar practices exist among other Nilotic tribes in Sudan, with each community having its own scar patterns and rituals. For the Mundari, these scars serve as a source of pride, signifying strength, cultural heritage, and the personal sacrifices made to uphold tradition.
Conclusion
The Mundari people offer a fascinating glimpse into a way of life centered around cattle, traditional practices, and a deep connection to the land. From using cow urine to color their hair to the cultivation of sorghum and the practice of scarification, the Mundari embrace customs that keep their culture alive in an ever-modernizing world. Their story reminds us of the resilience of indigenous cultures and the importance of understanding and respecting diverse traditions.
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