Tracing the rich heritage, cultural milestones, and historical journey of the Pari people across generations.

History

A journey through our past, from pre-colonial times to the present

Pre-colonial

A space to describe how the community interacted with external parties before colonization.

During Colonial

A space to explore the community's experiences and dealings with colonial powers.

Post-colonial/Present

A space to discuss the community's modern-day interactions and the ongoing legacy of colonial influences.

  • Migration
Just like other Luos, the Päri used to live in Wipaach, the cradle land of Luo that was situated somewhere in Bar El Ghazel. Then the Lou group separated and moved southward. The Päri people are decedents of two great Luo leaders, namely Dimo and Gilo. The royal clan chief of Pugeri village is a direct descendant of Dimo while the rest of Pari villages are said to be the descendent of Gilo. Although all these sections trace their origins to one grandfather, Uchuudho, they migrated and settled at Lafon Hill in different times. For example, the Pugeri, especially Libaalu clan were the first arrivals and the kor the last.
  • Contributions

Thousands of the Päri people have served in the liberation struggles in South (ern)
Sudan since 1920s:

The First Sudanese Civil War 1955-1972:

At least thousands of Päri served in this war. The first person who shot the first bullet that triggered the 1955 conflict was said to be from Päri . In the later years, the attempt by three thousands of Päri to join the movement was rejected for fear of dominating the movement, but they were able to secretly join and serve.

The Second Sudanese Civil War 1983-2005:

More than three thousands Päri people served in this war 1984-2004. When the conflict broke out in 1983, the Päri became the first people from the Equatoria region to join the movement in large number, and to stay in to the end of the struggle. Due to poor record, approximately two thousands might have died in the war.

Thousands of Päri sons and daughters continue to serve the country in different capacities and in various places across the country.

  • Burial and Holy Sites
Some of the hole sites in Lafon include: Burgle or the grave of Gilo, located somewhere near Mangalla, and is annually honoured by Nyikeo clan of Wiateo; Bwodo; Witpaach or the first area where the Pari people settled before moving to the Lipul Hill, and is said to continue archeological materials; the Lipul cave is the holiest site; The Bur Jogi is the graveyard of Jogi, the royal chief who led the Boi section from Wipaach to Lipul Hill.
  • Former Settlements
The Pari live in six villages, namely Angulumere, Bura, Kor, Pucwa, Pugeri and Wiatuo. These villages used be around the Lafon/Lipul hill, however, they were destroyed in 1993 during the conflict. Now, the villages are located far away from the Lafon Hill.