The Mundari are a small ethnic group of South Sudan and one of the Nilotic peoples. The group is composed of cattle-herders and agriculturalists and are part of Karo people which also includes Bari, Pojulu, Kakwa, Kuku and Nyangwara.
The tribe is believed are known to have as well as show great care to their livestock. Most belief in Africa especially as the region has been widely known not to give that enormous value to animals but perhaps due to the economic value of these livestock.
This reality is different in most advanced countries in the world as they often show great affection towards their animals. In fact, some would go as far as organizing burial ceremonies amongst other funny behaviors. The Love and value for animals is great in the western world as evidenced in numerous documentaries; seeing scientists almost sacrificing their lives to preserve some of these animals.
This practice is however not common in Africa. Africans have been seen to show less value for the lives of animals as they are most times, even concerned about killing them for food amongst other “genuine” reasons.
But the Mundari tribe has their entire lifestyle geared around caring for these cows. These cows grow up to eight feet tall and are worth as much as $500 each. It’s no wonder the Mundari view these animals as their most valuable assets so much that they guard them with machine guns.
Considering the existing sentiments about Africa especially as regards value for livestock, no one would have imagined that such still exist in Africa.
While some may consider the act as barbaric especially putting into context that often bath in cow urine as well as even going as far as applying the burned-dung to their skin for protective purposes, some also considered it as a show of value and Love for their livestock. Some others also think it’s due to the economic benefit of the livestock as full-grown cow is valued at $500 each.
