Twic East | |
---|---|
Country | South Sudan |
State | Jonglei |
Headquarters | Panyagor |
Time zone | UTC+2 (CAT) |
Twic East County, or simply Twic East, is a county located in Jonglei State, South Sudan. Its headquarters were located at Panyagor.[1][note 1] In May 2016, Twic East County was divided into Twic North County, Kongor County, Twic Center County, and Twic South County.[2]
The area encompassed by the former county of Twic East was former colonial Twi Dinka district.[3]
Twic East County was home to the Twic community and it was nicknamed after a founding ancestor named Atwï or Atwïc Ariɛm [Pronounce: Twïny Ariɛm]. According to the Twic origin myth, their ancestors came from Patunduu' or Patundur, which lay to the west of Paliau, where Atwic and his brother, Yieu, lived. They had a falling out, and Atwic left his brother in Patunduu'. After Atwic's departure, Patundur suffered an eight-year drought, which only ended when Yiëu asked his brother to return. When Atwic returned so did the rains, earning him the chieftainship.[4][note 2]
Similar to other places in South Sudan, Twic East receives humanitarian aid due to droughts that stop agriculture.[5] Food supplies have been targeted by raiders, such as one raid on trucks from the World Food Programme, which resulted in a loss of seven metric tonnes of food.[6]
Twi Dinka was District during British times like other communities of Dinkas. [7]
According to the Fifth Population and Housing Census of Sudan, conducted in April 2008, Twic East County had a combined population of 85,349 people, composed of 44,039 male and 41,310 female residents.[8][note 3]
About one of traditional Dances of Twi or Twic Dinka people descriptions:
The traditional dance of the Twi or Twic Dinka, often referred to as the "Kangaroo Dance" by outsiders, is a captivating and energetic performance that plays a significant role in their cultural heritage. This dance style, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Twic Dinka, reflects their identity, community spirit, and connection to their environment.
Key Features of the Dance: Dynamic Movements:
The dance is characterized by energetic jumps, rhythmic stomps, and synchronized movements resembling the hopping motion of a kangaroo. Participants often move in a circular formation, reflecting unity and community. Traditional Attire:
Dancers typically wear traditional attire adorned with beads, feathers, and other symbolic decorations, representing their cultural pride. Men and women have distinct roles and costumes that add to the vibrancy of the performance. Drumming and Singing:
Drumming is central to the dance, with rhythmic beats setting the tempo and mood. Songs, often performed in the Twi dialect, carry themes of celebration, storytelling, or commemoration of significant events. Community Participation:
The dance is a communal activity, performed during celebrations such as weddings, harvest festivals, and rites of passage. Spectators often join in, making it a collective expression of joy and solidarity. Cultural Significance:
Beyond entertainment, the Kangaroo Dance serves as a means of storytelling, preserving history, and passing down values to younger generations. Why It’s Called “Kangaroo Dance”: Outsiders may have coined the term "Kangaroo Dance" because of the dancers' hopping and jumping movements, which resemble a kangaroo's leaps. However, within the Twic Dinka culture, the dance has its own names and meanings deeply tied to their traditions and worldview.
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