Kur Wad Nedok was appointed king by the Dervishes as a reward, it is said, for betraying Mek Yor Adodit to them. During Kur’s absence in Omdurman, Akol was appointed mek by the Shilluks. Ak Kwo Kwan, son of Akol, is a pretender to the throne, but has few adherents.
It is related that all kings from Dag to Nyadok were killed by the Shilluks. Kwad Keir, Ajang, and Gwin Kun fell by the hand of the “Turks.” Yor fell in fight with the Dervishes. Kur abdicated. Akol is dead; he is said to have been shot by the Dervishes. The descendants of the kings are called “Gwared,” in contrast with the ordinary Shilluks, who are called “Ororo.” The royal descendants form the upper class, while the Oroko are at the beck and call of the kings.
The idea of kingship is implanted wherever the Gwared exist, and the latter are numerous. It is, therefore, not easy to exterminate the idea of royalty.
Royalty in this country is royalty, both by selection and inheritance at the same time. It is so by selection because the leading men of the country select the king from a variety of claimants, and by right of inheritance, inasmuch as only sons of kings are entitled to ascend the throne.
The right of accession to the throne is acknowledged as belonging primarily to the sons of the late king.
SHILLUK VILLAGE SCENE.
[116]In 1904 the amount of gum exported from Kordofan is expected to be 219,300 kantars. One kantar = 100 lbs.
[117]See table of Baggara Genealogies on [p. 334.]
[118]Gabra, north-west of Omdurman, must not be confused with Gabra El Sheikh, near Kagmar.