Sudan and South Sudan

Sudan and South Sudan are neighbouring countries with many peoples and languages. Older images often use 'Sudan' for places on both sides of today's border, including communities near the Nile and in Equatoria.

Permanent markings are especially visible in historical Nuer and Dinka portraits. Nuer men's horizontal forehead scars were associated with initiation into adult life. Dinka communities used different patterns and ceremonies.

The marks could show that a young person had taken on new responsibilities. Body paint, beads, metal ornaments and hairstyles added other details to someone's appearance. Cattle also played an important role in names, wealth and marriage among some communities.

Dances and head ornaments bring this wider world to life in the pictures. People did not decorate themselves simply to look impressive to strangers: their appearance belonged to relationships within the community, and to the different occasions and stages of their lives.