Nyangatom in South Sudan

Introduction / History

The Nyangatom are pastoralists but some that live along the Omo River are engaged in farming. Their diet consists of meat, milk, and some grain, and wild fruits. There is a single tribal language, Nyangatom, spoken by the whole tribe. However, they also speak the Daasanech language. The Nyangatom language remains a strong cultural bond which makes the Nyangatom very aware of their own distinctiveness from all outsiders.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Young men between the ages of 16 and 20 undergo an initiation ceremony, which involves an animal sacrifice. This is a prerequisite for later taking of human life. The status of a warrior is determined once a man has killed his first enemy, an event he will mark by notching a scar on his right shoulder or chest. After his first killing, he begins carrying a weapon. His clan sponsor gives him a spear and other weapons, a stool that serves as a headrest, and a pair of sandals. The Nyangatom are polygamous.
The begetting of children and the increase in herds, goats, sheep, cattle and camels are highly valued in Nyangatom life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Nyangatom are followers of ethnic religion. Only a small number have converted to Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy. That is what the Nyangatom people experience on a regular basis. They need a safe homeland where people are free from tribal warfare which holds them back spiritually, socially and economically.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Nyangatom culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Nyangatom people.
Pray for spiritual discernment and a hunger for true spirituality.

Text Source:   Joshua Project