-
The Kola people
The Kola people, also known as the Bakola or Koya, are a fascinating ethnic group of pygmies who inhabit the dense forests along the northeastern border between Gabon and Congo. Their lifestyle and cultural practices are deeply intertwined with the rainforest environment they call home. Physically, the Kola people are typically short in stature, which is characteristic of many pygmy groups across Central Africa. They have traditionally relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing as their primary means of subsistence. Their diet consists of various forest products such as wild yams, fruits, insects, and game meat obtained through hunting with bows, arrows, and nets. This subsistence pattern underscores their intimate knowledge…