22/08/2025
The Bari people are a Nilotic ethnic who are the indigenous inhabitants of the land where Juba, the capital of South Sudan, is located. Their traditional way of life centered on farming and raising livestock, with their economy revolving around subsistence agriculture and animal husbandry. The Bari have a rich story documented in their folklore, showing that they migrated from the north and settled in their current homeland around the 17th century, later facing conflicts with groups like the Dinka for land and grazing rights.
Origins and migration
• Bari folklore suggests their ancestors migrated from the north in the 15th century.
• They settled in their present-day territory by the 1650s, establishing themselves as agro-pastoralists before other migrations, such as the Luo, arrived in the area.
• Some of their current settlement still bear Bari names, indicating their historical presence before the Dinka arrived and the Bari were displaced southwards.
Economy and social life
• The Bari community is primarily based on mixed farming and the raising of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats.
• Wealth is largely measured in the of number of cattle and other animals.
• They trade with neighboring communities, often through a barter system, and cultivate crops such as maize, millet, and sorghum.
• In addition to farming, some Bari are skilled artisans, producing items like spears, knives, gourds, and drums.
Culture and traditions
• The Bari people are known for their strong cultural traditions, which include scarification as body art.
• Decision-making in the community is often led by elders, who gather to discuss and resolve issues, including conflicts.
• Traditional practices for marriage involved parents arranging unions, strengthening friendships between families.
• They also have significant cultural landmarks, including two sacred rocks called Pita and Kaku.
Historical Relations and Challenges
• The Bari have a story of conflict with other ethnic groups, notably the Dinka, over land and grazing areas.
• In their present-day home, juba, there have been significant population growth, leading to challenges such as "Land-grabbing" by outsiders, which the Bari community has confronted.
Cc. Juba Na Bari Tv
