Here, Kenyan and Sudanese writer Sanna Arman explores whether photos from Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher of her people, Dinka, are exploitative.
Photo by Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher: “In the wut (cattle camp), countless herds of animals with majestic lyre-shaped horns stretch as far as the eye can see. Young Dinka men and women spend their time surrounded by their beasts, living in perfect harmony with them.” (Source: CarolBeckwith-Angelafisher.com)
Photo by Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher: “A Dinka boy from South Sudan lavishes endless care and affection on his animals, which he considers part of the family. He is named after his favoured ox, his Namesake Ox, in the hopes [that] he will mature with the same strength and beauty. He believes that he and his Namesake Ox are one. In the future, this animal will accompany him everywhere, even when he is courting young girls.” (Source: CarolBeckwith-Angelafisher.com)
Among some of the opinions shared in the article regarding the photographs of the Dinka people of South Sudan,
Furthermore, being naked was, in fact, the way of life of early man and still is the way of life of indigenous African people as well as other indigenous people around the world.
“The Dinka cattle camp at sunset in South Sudan, one of the few still existing camps of up to 2,400 head of cattle, transports one in to a lifestyle of harmony and connectedness, an inseparable bonding between nature, animals, and man. We were struck by its beauty, the layers of smoke at sunset, the striking silhouettes of cattle with their
With that said, I believe critical thinking is important; however, sometimes searching deep for faults that do not exist is doing an injustice to the beauty that does exist. Credits must therefore be given where they are due. As an African and a Dinka, what I know of my people has been from books and the narratives told by family and friends. These photos bring me closer to home visually, and are not only something I am proud to show the world as a representation of my people, but also a learning experience for myself.
Is it not possible to un-post Ryan’s ignorant comment? After such a thoughtful and organized account of Dinka customs, it’s a shame to see this at the end. I believe that God is looking INSIDE people, and hopes for more from all of us.
Beautiful photos and description of a beautiful people and culture. It’s amazing to consider the differences between our lives and theirs.
I have a hard time believing that Ryan is serious…It’s just incomprehensible to me that anyone could be so stupidly, pathetically intolerant and blind. Anyone with a mind broader than a pinhole would be able to see that the Dinka are beautiful people with a rich, beautiful culture. I shudder to think that creeps like him exist and may be even be allowed to vote. Aside from that, thanks for the great website!
I am confused about the statement regarding Dinka’s being undisturbed by political movement. Aren’t there thousands of Sudanese refugees, many being Dinka, in the US because of political turmoil?
