Demography and geography
The Tid is a small community of gatherers numbering about a few hundred families found holed up on top of Natinga Mountain on the southern tip of the Didinga Hills on the borders with Kenya and Uganda.
Environment, economy and natural resources
The environment the Tid inhabit is shrub covered rugged hills with adjoining dry plains and valleys. The areas receive fairly moderate rains. Gathering of honey and other wild forest products is the main economic activity of the Tid. The economic potentials are honey, gum arabica.
Mythology and history
The Tid have not been studied and hence there is very little knowledge about their origin.
Language
The Tid speak a language similar to the Ik in Uganda
Society: social events, attitudes, customs and traditions
Tid society is yet to be investigated
Socio-political organisation and traditional authority
Need further investigation.
Spirituality, beliefs and customs
Need further investigation
Culture: arts, music, literature handicrafts
Tid culture evolved and revolves round their principal mode of production – gathering and hunting. It is to be expected that their arts and literature, folklore and stories reflect the social practices of gathering honey, hunting game, etc.
Neighbours and foreigners, relations and co-operation: The Tid are isolated on top of the Natinga Mountain. They neighbour the Didinga, Toposa, Turkana and Dodoth . The lifestyle seldom brings the Tid into contact with and therefore relationship with their neighbours is limited.
Latest developments: The Tid are completely marginalised and their contact with the state is minimal. The first contact with outsiders was in the context of war which brought displaced people from other ethnic communities into New Kush.
Diaspora: There is no known Tid community members outside their habitat in Natinga Mountains.
Further Reading
Seligman, C. G., and Seligman, B. Z., ‘Pagan Tribes of the Nilotic Sudan.’ George Routledge & Sons Ltd., London, 1932, reprinted 196
