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” Abuk” is the name of the first woman in the world according to the Dinka people of Southern Sudan. The Dinka believe that the Creator made Abuk and “Garang”, the first man out of rich clay of Sudan. Once, Abuk and Garang were created, they were placed in a huge pot; when the Creator opened the pot, the man and woman were fully formed as good looking beings, except that the woman was small, much smaller than the Creator thought good.

Therefore, Abuk was placed in a container full of water. She was left there for a time, and then when she had swelled up like a sponge to the size of a regular human being, the Creator was pleased. However, Abuk and Garang were given only one grain a day for food, and they were always hungry. Soon Abuk used her intelligence and cleverness to make the one grain a day into a paste to make it last longer.

She also decided that she would take one grain on alternate days and save it so that she could plant grain. She did this, and her work became the source of all grain. Although this is a historical myth with real power in the explanation of the origin of the Dinka society, the idea is also current in the lives of the people. In fact, the Dinka represent Abuk by a snake. Her favourite animal is a small snake, and her representation by a snake speaks to the concept of coolness and intelligence that is associated with women in many Afrikan cultures.

Abuk is important in the Dinka culture, so much so that she has the responsibility to look after all women and children, fertility, the growth of trees, plants, and the productivity of the harvest. In addition, the supply of water is the responsibility of Abuk; hence women are known as the keepers of the water. They go to the rivers for water and are responsible for making certain that the family has a good supply of water. Garang is placed in charge of everything else.