Our Sudanese community partners explain that during the southern Sudanese struggle women have taken special responsibilities to pray for the souls of the dead and for the coming of peace.  We heard different interpretations of the diagonal element worn by the praying woman. One person believed she was wearing an ammunition belt and holster, and commented on women’s double roles as liberation fighters and as spiritual guides. Another person understood the sash as a religious symbol, signifying the power of faith in the face of tragic death and loss.