essay

The Shilluk of the upper Nile

african worldsLondon • Published In 1954 • Pages: 138-193

By: Lienhardt, Godfrey.

Abstract
This article, which is based on previously published documents, deals with the cosmology, religious beliefs and world view of the Shilluk. While there is little that is new in the data, Lienhardt pulls together materials from various documents to develop a systematic picture of Shilluk cosmology. The nature of divinities and the amoral characteristic of Shilluk religion are discussed and related to the values placed on success. A number of recurrent themes and symbols are examined and tied to significant social and economic aspects of Shilluk life. Finally the basis of the divine nature of kingship is examined and traced to conceptions of universal order and the king's role as a symbol and a maintainer of that order. Much of this interpretation is based on Shilluk myths and traditional history which the author summarizes.
Subjects
Cosmology
Mythology
General character of religion
Sacred objects and places
Chief executive
Religious offenses
Traditional history
Historical reconstruction
culture
Shilluk
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Eastern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Betty Potash ; 1960
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
1900-1954
Coverage Place
Sudan
Notes
Godfrey Lienhardt
Includes bibliographical references(p. 163)
LCCN
a 54005828
LCSH
Shilluk (African people)