The African continent with its 54 countries is home to about 3000 tribes, including the many tribes of Pygmies living in the rainforests. Together they form a major part of the total African population.
The influence of these indigenous human races on global civilization and its culture is tremendous. The African forest tribes live a unique nomadic life. They build temporary camps which have close access to nearby villages. The area chosen is cleared of its undergrowth and thickets, but the trees are kept intact. This surrounding tree canopy provides protection and shade from the scorching tropical sun.
Bushmeat, wild honey, and forest products are traded for metal goods, fabric, vegetables, and manioc (a staple food) from these neighbouring villages. Women function as gatherers, collecting forest produces with baskets on their backs. Bushmeat and honey are hunted by the men of the tribe. Honey is the most sought-after ‘liquid gold’, especially among the Mbuti. Men climb great heights in search of beehives. The bees are then chased away tactfully by smoking wood.
Huts resemble the igloos of the Arctic, but the domed roof and walls are not made of ice, but of intricately woven saplings and leaves!
Picture Credit : Google
