nafúkolni

Nafúkolni is an an ancient Dinka traditional royal settlement, located in South Sudan. It is situated near the confluence of the Kui and Nile rivers. The settlement served as the ancestral homeland of the Rek Dinka people and its people traditionally claim descent from the Dinka mythological founder.

Nafúkolni was an important spiritual center in traditional Dinka culture, with several shrines dedicated to various deities. The settlement's people were also skilled ferrymen, managing the river-borne trade that passed through the region. The site was likely an important crossing point for travelers, given its proximity to major trading routes and natural water sources.

Limited archaeological exploration has been conducted at Nafúkolni, primarily due to the area’s insecure environment. It is estimated that the settlement was actively used for over 1,000 years, with initial Dinka occupation dating back to the late medieval period.

Ongoing conflict and the tumultuous administrative history of South Sudan have contributed to the settlement's decay. No extensive records or documentation specific to the settlement have been compiled, making a precise historical or archaeological understanding difficult.

Today, the remnants of Nafúkolni are located within the territory of Unity State in South Sudan. Much of its ancient layout and infrastructure have not been studied in depth, and ongoing efforts aim to document and understand the ecological, historical, and cultural aspects of the site.