Located in the jungles of Central Africa, the Pygmy people live a nomadic lifestyle along with the local Bantu people. It has been suggested by many (including the Pygmies) that they were the first inhabitants of the forest. Their tribes are spread out and many of them carry individual characteristics, which is discussed desperately under The People tab. Not all tribes are discussed, mostly due to the fact that there isn't enough information about them or they are rarely mentioned. There is a estimated number of 920,000 Pygmies living in Central Africa, a number that was hard to calculate due to the spread of the tribes, nomadic way of life, inconsistent data, and the Pygmies not keeping a census. Please note that this page is discussing the Pygmies who have managed to keep their forest homes.
Both males and females in the tribes have their roles but they experience equality, though how much varies from tribe to tribe. Some of these roles may be men do the hunting while the women do the foraging for food, but either gender could help out with the other tasks if needed. It is more important that the days catch is enough to feed the tribe because there is disputes within, arguments can prevent enough food being caught.
Poisoned arrows and net hunting is the most popular way the Pygmies capture their food, some tribes preferring one method over another. There is also fishing. Since they capture their own food without any use of guns, this is unfair towards the Pygmies who are competing with the poachers with guns. These poachers have been directly related to animal population decreases, such as the Okapi. The Okapi population numbers dropped so low that there is now a reservation for them. The Pygmies in some parts are also dealing with scared prey from miners, such as the Mbuti in the Ituri forest. However, they still forage for food, and during honey season, honey provides them with a rare treat and a something to trade with for the Bantu people. Honey is highly prized within the tribes- the Aka's origin story even features bee's leading them to a new home.
Poisoned arrows and net hunting is the most popular way the Pygmies capture their food, some tribes preferring one method over another. There is also fishing. Since they capture their own food without any use of guns, this is unfair towards the Pygmies who are competing with the poachers with guns. These poachers have been directly related to animal population decreases, such as the Okapi. The Okapi population numbers dropped so low that there is now a reservation for them. The Pygmies in some parts are also dealing with scared prey from miners, such as the Mbuti in the Ituri forest. However, they still forage for food, and during honey season, honey provides them with a rare treat and a something to trade with for the Bantu people. Honey is highly prized within the tribes- the Aka's origin story even features bee's leading them to a new home.
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Aka pygmies performing in Italy
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They have a Animist religion, one that is closely tied with the forest. However, the forms that it takes varies from tribe to tribe, but all of them is closely tied to the spirit of the forest. Also, in all of the tribes, music is often tied to their belief. Pygmies have been getting the help of Europeans to produce their music to spread the word about them, and to get more help. For example, there were a group of Aka Pygmies who went on a tour in Italy, performing their music. The Pygmy tribe Efe also has fairly popular music.
Forms of specialized art varies from tribe to tribe. The Batwa and the Baka tribes are more known for their weaving and the Twa's pottery. And, of course, unique music varying from tribe to tribe.
The languages an individual Pygmy may know depends on what tribe they are from, and what are the local Bantu patrons. Patronage is a tradition that has been active for several generations that used to be a mutual one, but as of late, it has become far more common for the Bantu people to regard them as 'children' or 'subhuman', and abuse their power over them in economic slavery.
The languages an individual Pygmy may know depends on what tribe they are from, and what are the local Bantu patrons. Patronage is a tradition that has been active for several generations that used to be a mutual one, but as of late, it has become far more common for the Bantu people to regard them as 'children' or 'subhuman', and abuse their power over them in economic slavery.