Batwa “Pygmies”

Batwa “Pygmies” are one of the oldest peoples in Africa, and their origin is unknown. For centuries they roamed the forests in bands foraging for honey, wild yams, fruit, stems and tubers, and hunted small game with trained dogs. Over time, the forests disappeared under the tools of the Bantu — newcomers from western Africa — and the Batwa numbers dwindled. They bartered hides, meat, honey and yams for arrowheads, salt and crops. The Batwa were feared as raiders but also famous as dancers and singers.

They were monogamous, except when a woman was barren. Prospective husbands were often asked to provide the feathers of a Ruwenzori turaco or a flying squirrel to the future father in law as a test of their hunting skills. Bride purchase was believed to promote discord between families, though gifts of honey and wild animal meat were expected.

In the 1980s and 1990s the Batwa were evicted from national parks without compensation. Today they are marginalised and suffer from landlessness, poverty, lack of education and health care. However, in recent years the authorities have shown more understanding and some promising progress has been made.

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