Around this mythical being and her demi-god son are wrapped many superstitions, not the least of which is that sacrifices to and the worship of, the great deity Jo-uk, are carried out by the intermediary of Nyakang, the demi-god.

EX-MEK KUR WAD NEDOK—DEPOSED 1903.

SHILLUKS ON A VISIT.

Jo-uk is recognised as the father and source of all life, of evil as well as good. He is treated rather as a deity to be feared and propitiated, but he enters into the small relations of life all the same, and most incidents, such as death, sickness, going on a journey, etc., are referred to his action. The Shilluks believe that Jo-uk is everywhere, and that man when he dies goes to Jo-uk; but whether anything happens to him in consequence seems doubtful.

To Jo-uk sacrifices are made at least once a year, at the beginning of the rainy season, and much of good and evil are attributed to him. This sacrifice consists in the slaying of an animal by the priest of each village for the people of his village, assembled at the house of the “Nyakang.” The animal is slain with a holy spear, and the flesh divided among the people, cooked and eaten. Then follows a dance, with much drinking of merissa to make their hearts merry. For this sacrifice and dance, which is apparently the sum of their worship, there are especial houses. But in each village there is a small temple, similar in structure to the larger one. In this, or more correctly, around this, the elders of the people assemble for the transaction of all serious business, and call their gods to witness in all covenants. No village is without this small temple, and it is the only building on which any ornamentation is attempted. It is called the house of Nyakang, not the house of Jo-uk.

In cases of illness sacrifices are made to Nyakang. The Shilluks bury their dead inside the confines of their villages close to the house where the deceased had lived, killing a bullock at the wake, the horns of which are set up to mark the place of interment.

History.After Nyakang there have been, including the present one, 26 kings. The following is the list[131]:—

1.Nyakang.15.Nyadok.
2.Dag (Dok).16.Akwot.
3.Odage.17.Ababdo.
4.Kudit.18.Awin.
5.Dokodo (Dakkode).19.Akoj.
6.Boj (Boiwj).20.Nedok (Nyadok).
7.Tugo (Tuka).21.Kwad Keir (Kwat Ki).
8.Nya Dwai (Nya dwi).22.Ajang (Ajung).
9.Nya Ababdo.23.Gwin Kun (Kwoe Kon).
10.Muko (Mu Kao).24.Yor Adodit (Yur).
11.Nya To (Nya Ta).25.Akol.
12.Nyakong (Nik Kang).26.Kur Wad Nedok.
13.Okun (Ukon).27.Fadiet Wad Kwad Keir.
14.Nya Gwatse (Nkwaji).