Conflict, Warfare, and Violence

The Mbuti tribe is unique in the fact that they are a peaceful people. The Pygmie groups as a whole try and avoid war with one another. For example, the Mbuti tribe found out that another Pygmy group had invaded their territory and were stealing honey. Instead of going to war, a man explained that both groups invade each other's territory every year so it's fair. If they ever did encounter them, the invaders would just flee; leaving the goods they had stolen.

A man named Colin Turnbull, kept a record of 124 disputes in one of the Mbuti camps he had lived in for a year. Over half of these disputes had to do with food, while the other hald dealt with sex, Bantu villagers, theft, and territory. The main way they resolve their conflict is by acting them out, which usually resolve their conflicts before they get too serious.

The most interesting way the Mbuti tribe settles conflict is through laughter, jokes, and ridicule. They have a "camp clown" who tries to resolve conflicts through ridicule, miming, and distraction. He tried to divert the people's attention from the conflict and make them focus on comedy. However, if a person is clearly wrong, an entire camp can punish and offender. Ostracism is another option they use, but rarely.