While natural treatments are often based on plants, for the Mundari, they come from animals, especially cattle. The majority of the Mundari are cattle breeders as well as fierce warriors. This is why their cows are so precious and important to them. According to reports, they bathe in the urine of their cows to avoid certain infections.

In order to stay fit, Mundari men squat under streams of cow urine, which they consider to be a natural antiseptic to fight diseases. This ritual subsequently dyes the hair orange.

However, the dung is collected in a pile to be burned. The shepherds then spread the peach-coloured ash on their skin. For them, it becomes a kind of antiseptic and a protection against the scorching heat.

Cattle are part of the family

Cows and cattle are respected as domestic animals in this southern part of Africa. These animals are considered to be their family members. They do the same as dogs. When the cattle come back from grazing, they know exactly their masters and their masters' homes.

According to a photographer, Zaidi: "Families will sleep with their animals, wash them in ash and make sure the ground is soft and clean for them.

Cattle are a dowry, a source of medicine, wealth as well as friends. The Mundari are like bodybuilders, said Zaidi, the photographer. They massage these animals twice a day, it was explained. Ashes from the dung fires, as fine as talcum powder, are spread on the cattle and used as bedding.

Cattle have been a form of currency and status symbol for many years. According to reports, since the return of men to Southern Sudan after the civil war in search of women, the price of dowries has increased, making cattle increasingly valuable.

For information, the price of a cow or bull could be as high as $500, which is why cattle are so important to them. They even use guns to watch them

Santie

Photo Credit : LeBabi

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