Projects
Diversity in Danger: the process of integration within the Karimojong circle
The south-eastern corner of Sudan is inhabited by the Jiye, Nyangatom, and Toposa, three groups belonging to the ‘Karimojong circle’ (a set of ethnic groups with strong linguistic and socio-cultural ties). Owing to demographic pressure and the consequences of war in Sudan, the Toposa expanded their territory toward the north-east. The movement literally pushed them past the borders of the territory occupied by their neighbours, the Jiye and the Nyangatom. The Toposa’s dominance in the region is such that entire swathes of Jiye and Nyangatom are currently undergoing an integration process into their world. However, the Toposa do not welcome potential immigrants in the same way. Whereas the Nyangatom maintain peaceful relations with the new conquerors, the Jiye are obliged to either integrate into Toposa society or migrate further north, where they come into direct conflict with other long-standing enemies, the Murle. A detailed study of this historical process delves into the different forms of interethnic relations (including war, conflicts, economic relations, inter-ethnic trade in raw materials used to create ornaments and arms, etc.) and underscores the ways by which different groups react to marginalization processes when their ethnic identity is under threat.
Principal investigator:
- Gustaaf Verswijver
Dates:
2009 2015Museum staff:
- Gustaaf Verswijver