Otuho people

TheOtuho people,also known as theLotuko,are aNiloticethnic group whose traditional home is theEastern Equatoriastate ofSouth Sudan.They speak theOtuho language.

Otuho

Total population
500,000–700,000
Regions with significant populations
South Sudan
Languages
Lotuko,English
Religion
Christianity,Traditional African religion
Related ethnic groups
OtherNilotic peoples

Demographics

The Otuho are bordered by the Lopit in the North, theBarion the West, theAcholiand theMadiin the South west, and theDidingaand theBoyain the East.Their region is characterized by ranges and mountain spurs such as the Imotong mountain, the highest mountain in South Sudan with an altitude of 10,453 feet above sea level.

Subsistence

They engage in somesubsistence agriculture;their main crops aresorghum,ground nuts, simsim (sesame), andmaizein the plains, or telebun, dukhn,sweet potatoes,andtobaccoin the hills.

Land is owned by no single person, but in trust by the community. In the mountains, after finding a site, the group decides the boundaries of each person's garden, with certain areas beingfallow(for up to 10 years) and others open to cultivation (for up to 4 years).

Religion

Their primary religion is anethnic religionbased on nature andancestor worshipthat is deeply rooted in their ethnic identity; conversion to another religion essentially equates tocultural assimilation.The chief god of the Otuho is called Ajok; he is generally seen as kind and benevolent, but can be angered.In Otuho mythology he once answered a woman's prayer for theresurrectionof her son. Her husband, however, was angry and re-killed the child. Ajok was annoyed by his actions and swore never to resurrect any Otuho again, and in this manner,deathwas said to have become permanent.

External links

• Lotuka (Otuho) peopleon Gurtong.net