Nuba Vision

Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2003

Sudan is a vast country with a diverse cultural heritage. Its area is quarter of the United States of America. It has varied lands, climates, plants, livestock, and musical instruments.

Nuba Mountains, which is another example of a heterogeneous Sudan, is an ever-lasting possession for the Nuba people. It is a gift from God who is possessor of Nuba Mountains and the Nuba nation. Our love to Nuba Mountains is a covenant between the ancestors of Nuba Creator. Through this covenant, a big number of Nuba have made sacrifices either through arm struggle, fighting to keep their land and culture or through lobbying, advocacy and publication to draw the attention of the international community to the Nuba predicaments in Sudan. Of course, some are making their contribution by offering money. For example The great sacrifice was made by late Cdr Yousif kowa, Nuba leader who is alive in our wounded hearts. Every one of us is a leader in his or her work.

In Nuba Mountains, there are numerous musical instruments, which have great impacts on Nuba societies. However, here I want to write something about the essential work of the horn in Nuba culture. The horn plays an important role in the Nuba societies – it is a sign of good omen for the Nuba people. Farmers for instance hang cow’s horns in front of their farms believing that it will bring wealth and protect them from evil. Another example is the use of the cow or buffalos horns in Kambala dance, as a sign of strength and power. Nuba people who used to go to the South as soldiers used to bring with them buffalo horns especially for Kambala, the famous Nuba dance

It is important to know that the horn in the Nuba Mountains has multi functions. It is used for announcement of war and in this case, it sounds differently from other sounds such as the sounds of rejoicing or of Kujur calling for special ceremony. In the case of war, the horn is blown and other villages when they hear that sounds, they do the same until the sound reaches every corner in the Nuba Mountains. The warriors prepare themselves to fight.

In wrestling and other social gathering and celebrations, the horn is used for joy and it sounds different, as it electrifies the atmosphere of the occasion. The Horn also is used in mourning the leaders or great people. The horn sounder would lead procession of mourners coming from another village to pay their respect. The horn sounders are well known to all surrounding villages and they are well respected and maintain a high status in Nuba societies. Among the famous horn sounders is Algidail, who was a well-known figure in Kadugli area.

The Nuba horn is an effective instrument as a quick means of communication and for calling the masses for immediate gathering. It still plays an important role, as it symbolizes Nuba strength, power, and authority to rule.