Change

-most changes are because of regulations put on them by other people

-exploration of the Congo in the 19^th century resulted in colonial exploitation

-mbuti were forced from their land and migrated to areas along the edge of the Ituri Forest

-interdependent relationships between mbuti and villagers are made

-villagers view the mbuti as inferior but a good source of cheap labor

-mbuti trade meat for plantains and other supplies grown on village plantations

-pressure by the Zairian government caused some mbuti to leave the forest and live among the villagers

-overhunting by mbuti to meet the needs of the villagers led to depletion of the animal population

-they are no longer allowed to hunt large game.

-food supply is threatened because of deforestation, gold mining, and modern influences from plantations, agriculturalists, and efforts to conserve the forests

Technology

-bow and arrows are used for hunting game. Nets and spears are also used.

-huts are made of saplings and large leaves shingled together for the roof

-woven baskets are used for gathering

Media Framing

-they are known as the “pygmies” of the Congo

-known as a very primitive group

-“the forest people”

-“primordial savages who, unable to conceive of individual rights, believed that the tribe is a supreme, omnipotent ruler, that it owns the lives of its members and may sacrifice them whenever it pleases.”

-they are marginalized and living along the fringes of the modern world in abject poverty as hunter gatherers

-prehistoric existence