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Kakwa
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THE KAKWA TRIBE
Language name (ethymolgy) Kakuwa but Kakwa is widely used by outsiders
The Kakwa are an ethnic group in northwestern Uganda, southern Sudan, and northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, from Nilotic origin. Their language is also called Kakwa, a Bari language, itself an Eastern Nilotic language. A group of related older men, who are turned to for judicial decisions, are the only kind of centralized government. The economy consists of cultivating corn, millet, potatoes, cassava, and cattle.
Popluation
Population 40,000 in Sudan (1978 SIL).
Region Southern Sudan, Yei District, extending into Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west at Aba and in the south around Mahagi.
Ethymology
Alternate names Bari Kakwa, Kakua, Kwakwak, Kakwak
Subsitence farming and Agriculture
Comments Agriculturalists: maize, eleusine, peanuts, simsim, sweet potatoes, cassava, honey; pastoralists: goats, few sheep, cattle.
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Encyclopedia
THE KAKWA TRIBE
Language name (ethymolgy) Kakuwa but Kakwa is widely used by outsiders
The Kakwa are an ethnic group in northwestern Uganda, southern Sudan, and northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, from Nilotic origin. Their language is also called Kakwa, a Bari language, itself an Eastern Nilotic language. A group of related older men, who are turned to for judicial decisions, are the only kind of centralized government. The economy consists of cultivating corn, millet, potatoes, cassava, and cattle.
Popluation
Population 40,000 in Sudan (1978 SIL).
Region Southern Sudan, Yei District, extending into Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west at Aba and in the south around Mahagi.
Ethymology
Alternate names Bari Kakwa, Kakua, Kwakwak, Kakwak
Subsitence farming and Agriculture
Comments Agriculturalists: maize, eleusine, peanuts, simsim, sweet potatoes, cassava, honey; pastoralists: goats, few sheep, cattle. Christian, traditional religion.
Society, Social Events, Attitudes, Customs, and Traditions
Kakwa is the name by which this Bari-speaking ethnic community is known. Kakwa society ascribe to certain norms and values. Like other communities, Kakwa is a male dominated society. The eldest male member of the family is entrusted with the responsibility and role of caring for the rest of family and siblings unless he demonstrates incompetence and irresponsibility.
Marriage
Marriage begins with courtship and once the prospective bride and groom have decided to transform their friendship into a marriage relationship the matter is reported to both families for endorsement. Kakuwa dowry is in the form of goats, cattle and cash. This is accompanied by celebrations and merriment. It is worth mentioning that Kakuwa dowry is not settled at one instance - even if there were prospects for that. The explanation is to maintain links and relationship between the two families,and during the marriage event there is a whole celebration for the whole relatives which includes dancing,drinking,singing and conversations.
Martial and Death Ceremony
Death when it occurs even in a natural circumstance of disease, old age, etc. is usually attributed to some mishaps and must have been instigated. The members of the family have their heads shaved throughout the mourning period.
Social and Political Organisation, Traditional Authority
The Kakwa chief ( late Charles Abugo Baraba) plays the role of a political leader with judicial powers. It is hereditary usually falling to the eldest son of the departed chief. The Kakuwa chief is always guide and assisted by a council of elders, who hail from different clans or families. The criterion of choosing these people is wisdom, bravery, and experience in matters pertaining to the tribe.
Spirituality, Beliefs and Customs
The Kakuwa, like other Bari-speaking people, believe in a Supreme Being (?un) who is the creator. They also believe in the existence of spirits of the departed ancestors. Many of these beliefs are now fading under the influence of modernity and Christianity.
Culture: Arts, Music, Literature and Handicraft
Like other communities, Kakwa have evolved from an oral culture which expressed in songs, poems, dance, music, folklore, magic....from generation to generation. Neighbours and Foreign Relations The Kakwa neighbour: Pojulu, Baka, Avakaya, Nyangwara and Moro to the north Tore to the North (border with Limbe) to the East Kuku and Avukaya to the northwest. In the past, the Kakwa forged a rare alliance with Moro, Mundu against the marauding Azande armies. This cut off the main Azande force and led to the formation of the Makaraka.
Kakuwa in Diaspora
Kakwa tribe in Sudan have been displaced and many live as refugees in neigbouring countries such as Uganda,Kenya,Ethiopia,Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in many African countries like South Africa,Zambia, Egypt, and etc , others live in displaced people’s camps in Juba, Gadarif, Khartoum and other towns. Due to war in the South, Thousands of Kakwa Nationals here now reside in USA,Canada, UK, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Japan, Italy, and Australia
External links
- from 1990
- from Ethnologue
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