Forest People

Abstract

Colin Turnbull singles out a few events in order to present a general picture of the Epulu net-hunting band of Mbuti Pygmies. Extensive sections portray the band's reaction to the death of one of its members in a Congolese native village, which included flight to a forest camp and a prolonged MOLIMO mourning ceremony. Another large part is taken up with narrative of rites and attitudes related to coming-of-age and marriage. The theme running throughout these activities is a preference and reverence for forest life in contrast with the sedentary, cleared-plantation settlements of the Congo natives.