Mbuti People
Mbuti people also know as Bambuti people are the pygmy group of Congo. Mbuti’s traditionally live in the Ituri forest.They are one of the oldest indigenous groups in Africa. They speak various languages Efe, Kongo and Asoa. Mbuti’s are also one of the largest Pygmy groups. There are between 30,000-50,000 Mbuti people living in the Congo rainforest. Because of their large population Mbuti people set up different camps throughout the forest each different unit of Mbuti’s set up in the forest are called Bands.
Mbuti’s live in small circular huts that are usually temporary. The small huts are made of large sticks that are put into the ground. The large sticks are tied together at the top by vines to keep them together, then the tops are covered with different types of leaves to make the roof. These huts are meant for sleep only and are quick and easy to build that's why they are built with just sticks and leaves.
Mbuti Pygmies are one of the few pygmy groups that interact with other people. Mbuti people often trade meat, animal hides, and other forest goods for pots,wooden goods and other things they cannot make by themselves. Mbuti people are hunter and gatherers they mainly hunt crabs,antelope and fish. Mbuti people hunt using crossbows,spears and nets. Men and women hunt together but only if a net is being used, women are not allowed to hunt using anything other than a net.