essay
The Shilluk of the upper Nile
african worlds • London • 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.
- 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)