Feature on the Bari Tribe of Central Equatoria State
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The Bari ethnic groups in the Southern Sudan occupy the Savanna lands of the Nile Valley. They speak a language which is also called Bari. The name “Bari of the Nile Valley” would be fitting because the river Nile runs through the heart of the Bari land. This definition would also distinguish them from any other ethnic groups that may be using the name Bari; there are apparently such groups in Ethiopia and Somalia, although no information exists as to whether they are all related
Traditionally the Bari’s believe in one almighty God and existence of powerful spirits (good and evil). Today the Bari is made up of Christians (Catholics and Protestants), Moslems, and followers of traditional religions.
In the past it was a fashion among the Bari to undergo initiation ceremonies. Both boys and girls subjected themselves to removal of lower front teeth. The girls, in addition got tattoos: around the belly area, the back, and the face (on the temple) in the form of arrow shapes, or simple flowers.