Jumjum shrine
103 x 76 mm | Print gelatin silver
Condition:
Fading [EE 1989]
Date of Print:
Unknown
Previous PRM Number:
EP.D.197
Previous Other Number:
O
Accession Number:
1998.344.197.2
Description:
Uli, the Jumjum Mun nial and Mun dyong ('man of rain' and 'man of God') of Jebel Wadega had led Evans-Pritchard to show him this 'shrine of God', consisting of a long stick stuck in the ground with some pieces of goatskin attached, the remains of a sacrifice for a sick man.
In front of it was a raised piece of ground, allegedly where no rain could fall.
It is unclear which of the two sticks in the image is the one indicated, but is probably the more distant one, which is forked and has some scraps attached near the top.
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1926 November - December
Region:
Blue Nile Jebel Wadega
Group:
Jumjum
PRM Source:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Acquired:
Donated 1966
Other Owners:
E. E. Evans-Pritchard Collection
Class:
Religion , Ritual Object , Shelter
Keyword:
Shrine , Building House
Documentation:
Original catalogue lists in Manuscript Collections. Additional material in related documents files. [CM 27/9/2005]
Primary Documentation:
PRM Accession Records - Accession Book Entry [p.
98] 1966.27 [1 - 24] G[ift] PROFESSOR E.
E.
EVANS-PRITCHARD; INST.
OF SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY, 51 BANBURY RD.
OXFORD - 1966.27.19 - S.
SUDAN, DARFUNG.
VARIOUS TRIBES.
Box of negatives in envelopes, [1 - 242] & 1966.27.20 - Box of prints of these negatives [refers to object 1966.27.19] [1 - 242], in envelopes.
Manual Catalogues [typewritten, entitled "Ingassana"] - 197. Rain-shrine. (JumJum). O
Note on print reverse ms pencil - "O"
Notes on card mount m/s pencil - "fading 11/11/86 EE"
Manual Catalogues [typewritten, entitled "Ingassana"] - 197. Rain-shrine. (JumJum). O
Note on print reverse ms pencil - "O"
Notes on card mount m/s pencil - "fading 11/11/86 EE"
Other Information:
In Ethnological Observations in Dar Fung, Sudan Notes and Records XV Part I, 1932, page 25, E.
E.
Evans-Pritchard discusses his meeting with Uli on Jebel Wadega in some detail.
In particular he notes that 'Uli, who was a man of outstanding intelligence, took me first to see his "shrine of God," which was a branched post with some pieces of goatskin on it, the remains of a sacrifice on behalf of some sick man.
There was a piece of raised ground in front of the shrine, like a miniature water-shed, on which, so Uli says, the rain never falls, so that if a fire is burning there during a shower of rain it would not be put out ...
I then accompanied him to the bottom of the hill where he kept his rainstones in a hole in the rock.
These were covered by a potsherd over which some large stones had been laid and comprised about thirty rounded pebbles of various shapes and sizes...it was difficult to see into the hole properly and my guide did not seem very anxious that I should finger them.
I offered him a large sum of money to be allowed to take one of his pebbles away, pointing out that he had a big collection, but my offer was refused.' [Chris Morton 23/2/2004]
Recorder:
Christopher Morton 23/2/2004 [Southern Sudan Project]
