Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Shilluk
Table of Contents
Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics
Discover
Nativity Scene, Adoration of the Magi, Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, Montenegro
Why Is Christmas in December?
Christmas tree, holiday, pine
How Did the Tradition of Christmas Trees Start?
Stylish light blue jeans on wooden background, closeup of inset pocket
Why Do Jeans Have That Tiny Pocket?
Coriander leaves, fresh green cilantro on wooden background, herbs
Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People?
Hemp (Cannabis sativa).
9 Mind-Altering Plants
Entrants falling and tumbling over while chasing the cheese at the 2016 'Cheese Rolling' held at Cooper's Hill, in the Cotswolds, Brockworth England
7 of the World’s Most Dangerous Festivals
Four year old boy with grandfather and father lighting Hanukkah menorah. Photo taken on: December 21st, 2009
Which Is Correct: Hanukkah or Chanukah?

Shilluk

people
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://mainten.top/topic/Shilluk
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Article History

Shilluk, Nilotic people living along the west bank of the Nile between Lake No and latitude 12° N in South Sudan. They speak an Eastern Sudanic language of the Nilo-Saharan language family.

The Shilluk are sedentary agriculturists with strong pastoral interests (cattle, sheep, and goats). Men hunt, herd, and milk the livestock; both sexes do agricultural work. The community is a cluster of hamlets with a headman elected by a council of hamlet heads from among the members of a dominant lineage. The Shilluk were historically united in a single state headed by a divine king (reth) chosen from the sons of previous kings. The king’s physical and ritual well-being was held to ensure the prosperity of the whole land. The large royal clan traced descent from the first king and culture hero, Nyikang (Nyikango). In addition to several classes of royalty, the Shilluk traditionally were divided into commoners, royal retainers, and slaves. See also Nilot.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy McKenna.