Nubian ethnic group in western Sudan
The Midob people or Meidob are an ethnic group from the Meidob Hills region in Darfur, Sudan. They speak Midob, one of the Nubian languages (part of the larger family of Nilo-Saharan languages). The population of this ethnic group is estimated at 99,000.[1]
The Midob's roots are claimed to go back to Meroitic Kingdom (Kingdom of Kush) in Northern Sudan. It is not clear if linguists are in support of this, as the linguistic relationship of Nubian languages with the Meroitic language is still debated. Nevertheless, historians like Brown (The History of Sudanese Tribes) mention that Midob was the ruling family in the Nubian Civilization and their roots extended to the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.[2]
Culture
The Midob have historically engaged in pastoralism and raising livestock, raising animals such as sheep, camels, goats and cattle. They also cultivate sorghum and several types of vegetables to sustain themselves.[3]
The Midob are Muslim. Islam first appeared in the region in the 17th century though most of the Midob seemed to have only converted in the 19th century.[3]
The Midob were notable for being matrilineal, a rare practice among the peoples of the Darfur region.[3] The practice seems to have declined in modern times.[3]
References