The Forest People

The Mbuti, among the first inhabitants of central Africa, are an indigenous group in the D.R. Congo, with tens of thousands living mostly in the Ituri Rainforest. The Mbuti consider the forest a living entity: they refer to it as the providing “mother” or “father.” Traditionally hunter-gatherers, the entire community participates in obtaining food. Men do much of the hunting, often with bows and arrows, though women and children play a crucial role when net-hunting by herding prey toward the nets. Women and children also do much of the gathering. A non-violent and democratic people, the women generally have authority to resolve conflict within the group. Contact with rebel groups operating i...View all