Smoke, dust, and the voices of many peoples

South Sudan

In January 2023, I travelled to South Sudan, spending time in the Mundari cattle camps where mornings began with smoke rising from dung fires, the calls of the herders and a steady drum beat sending the cattle to their pasture. Days moved with the rhythm of livestock and camp chores. My journey also took me to Toposa, Jiye, and Laarim communities - each with their own rich traditions, vibrant dress, and ways of life dee[ly connected to their land. 

Mundari women doing early morning chores, South Sudan
Jiye women with traditional headdress, South Sudan
Mundari men and cattle in smoke at sunset, South Sudan
Jiye women digging ditch, South Sudan
Jiye woman standing before traditional buildings, South Sudan
Old woman sitting on ground smoking pipe, South Sudan
Women in bright, traditional outfits, South Sudan
Woman smoking pipe, South Sudan
Laarim children standing in a row, South Sudan
Mundari woman with orange hair, South Sudan
Laarim child in village of thatched huts, South Sudan
Mundari girl collecting dung for fire, South Sudan
Mundari child sitting on platform surrounded by cattle, South Sudan
Mundari boy covered in ash, South Sudan
Laarim woman grinding sorghum, South Sudan

When: January 2023
Where: Juba, Eastern Equatoria, and Terekeka.
Culture & Tradition: Encounters ranged from the Mundari cattle camps where care of the cattle takes centre stage, to time with the Toposa, Jiye, and Laarim peoples, each with their own distinctive traditions, attire, and connections to the land.
Travel Notes: Camped alongside Mundari and close to the other villages; travel arranged with local guides; visited at dawn and dusk to capture the golden light and daily rhythm of camps and villages.

Laarim boy holding his baby sister, South Sudan