Rocks, trees, snakes, animals, the wind, the weather, waves, foam, drums, everything one encounters in life has a spiritual significance. A relationship to an emblem may require that certain trees not be burnt, certain animals not be killed, certain bones not be broken, certain sacrificial beasts not be roasted on fire, certain fish not be killed, certain grass not burnt—⁠—indeed, that an object not be treated in a way inconsistent with the respect due to spiritually inspired leaders, lest evil follow.

The bäny bith, masters of the fishing-spear, are the priestly clan leaders who, since ancient times, have played a central role in the administration and enrichment of Dinka society, with skills of truth-telling, justice, and prophetic vision. Such acts as communic-ating with and appeasing jak nature spirits and yieth ancestor spirits and rain-making fall to the spiritual specialists of this class.