Blood Groups of the Northern Nilotes

Summary Frequencies are given of A 1 A 2 BO, MNS, Rh, P , Lutheran, Hunter and Henshaw blood groups among Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk and Mabaan, of Upper Nile Province, Sudan. The Mabaan appear to be distinct from the three Northern Nilotic peoples who, the results indicate, are genetically similar to each other. The results are compared with those from other African samples, and it appears that the general classification of East African peoples on cultural grounds is supported by the evidence of the ABO blood groups. It is suggested that the Northern Nilotes may, like the Bushmen, be surviving representatives of an ancient African stock whence has been derived a major component of the present day population of Africa.