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The Efé people
The Efé people, residing in the dense Ituri Rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are a notable group among the Pygmies, known for their unique cultural practices and deep connection to their forest environment. Living a semi-nomadic lifestyle, they traditionally engage in hunting and gathering activities, relying on the forest’s rich biodiversity for sustenance. Their small stature, with men averaging 142 cm (4 ft. 8 in.) and women slightly shorter, distinguishes them as one of the shortest ethnic groups globally. Culturally, the Efé maintain intricate social structures centered around kinship and communal living. They typically live in small, mobile camps, constructing temporary leaf huts for shelter. Their society…
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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…
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The Bedzan people
The Bedzan people, also known as the Medzan or Tikar Pygmies, are an indigenous ethnic group residing primarily in the forests of Cameroon, Central Africa. They are one of the many pygmy groups in the region, characterized by their shorter stature and traditional lifestyle that is closely tied to the forest environment. The Bedzan people traditionally lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle, relying heavily on the resources of the forest for their survival. Hunting and gathering form the backbone of their subsistence practices, with a diet that includes game, fruits, nuts, and roots sourced from the forest. This way of life not only provides sustenance but also shapes their cultural practices, social…
