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The Wochua people
The Wochua people, also known as Achua, were a significant group of pygmy inhabitants in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly concentrated south of the Welle River. They garnered attention in the Western world primarily through the explorations and documentation of Wilhelm Junker during the years 1880 to 1883. The Wochua were traditionally hunter-gatherers, adept at navigating the intricacies of their forest environment for sustenance and survival. Their lifestyle revolved around a deep understanding of the flora and fauna of the Congo Basin, utilizing their knowledge to gather a variety of wild foods and hunt small game. Their intimate relationship with the forest not only…
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The African Pygmies
The African Pygmies, also known as Congo Pygmies or Central African foragers, are a collection of ethnic groups native to Central Africa, predominantly in the Congo Basin. Known for their short stature, which is often referred to as “pygmyism” in anthropological literature, these groups have a rich cultural heritage and unique lifestyle primarily centered around foraging and hunting-gathering. They are categorized into three main groups based on their geographic locations: 1. **Western Bambenga (Mbenga)**: These groups are found in Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. 2. **Eastern Bambuti (Mbuti)**: Located in the Congo Basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the…
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The Pygmy people
Pygmy peoples represent a diverse group of ethnic populations characterized by their notably short stature, typically averaging less than 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) for adult men. This distinct physical trait, known as pygmyism, is endemic within these communities rather than being caused by a medical condition like dwarfism. While the term “pygmy” has historical connotations and has sometimes been considered derogatory, it is commonly used in anthropological contexts to describe these specific ethnic groups. The most well-known pygmy populations are found in the Congo Basin of Central Africa, where groups like the Bambenga, Bambuti (commonly known as the Mbuti), and Batwa reside. These African Pygmies traditionally engage in…
