In the event that a man dies and leaves behind a wife and children, the Nuer practice a form of levirate. There will be no alive husband in this type of "ghost marriage," though she may have children later on.
A wealthy Nuer woman may marry a deceased man in order to keep her wealth and power. Married Nuer women have no significant wealth; it is owned by their husbands. There will be no alive husband in this type of "ghost marriage," though she may have children later on. A ghost marriage is one in which a deceased groom is supplemented by his brother in South Sudan. The brother stands in for the bride, and any children born as a result are considered kids of the deceased spouse.
