The Forest People

Turnbull describes his return to the land of the Ituri Forest, as well as the landscape of several countries, including the Cameroons. He visits Camp Putnam long after Pat has died. With his death, the place has completely changed. The district itself has been renamed Epulu, which is also the name of the river that runs past Pat’s old house. Most striking for Turnbull is that a hotel has been built by Europeans seeking to make money off tourists who want a view of the interior. Turnbull notes the changes with a sense of foreboding; things are different from when he first visited.

Turnbull remarks that the new community is attracting Pygmies, which means Pygmy labor. In fact, many of Turnbull’s old friends are now working in the village at local stores and the hotel. He notes how this is a stark change in the BaMbuti way of life as they now buy their food from local stores instead of hunting and gathering in the traditional way. Turnbull introduces Kenge, an old friend who was once his guide, interpreting questions and assisting Turnbull in his treks through the forest. Kenge is now working in the village, so Turnbull assumes he will need to find a new assistant. Kenge eventually abandons his job and agrees to help Turnbull again.

Turnbull notes with some dismay that the Pygmies have begun to make their own plantations, which means that they, like the villagers, will rely on these crops that damage the earth, instead of hunting and gathering. Turnbull explains how Njobo and Masisi have the best clearings on the plantation (the plantations are not in the forest but on cleared land just on the outskirt of the forest). These two are also the most successful hunters in the group. Njobo killed two elephants alone, while he assisted in killing two others with other hunters. He has three wives, though only one son, Nyange. Though Nyange had been healthy when Turnbull first visited, he now has tuberculosis of the leg bone and is crippled. Masisi is related to Njobo. He has been blessed with a large family. Turnbull notes that he is known for engaging in disputes.

The BaMbuti’s physical appearance is described. Turnbull mentions in the previous chapter how the Pygmies average less than four-and-a-half-feet in height, and he continues this early assessment by noting that they have short legs, but are powerful and muscular. They have round heads, and their eyes are set far apart from each other. They also have flat noses. Turnbull notes that their hair “grows like peppercorn tufts” on their heads, and some also have thick body hair. One of the most important aspects of the chapter is that Pygmies are distinctly set apart from Negros.

Turnbull describes the group of BaMbuti he is going to settle with. There is Manyalibo, who with his wife, uses humor to settle disputes. This is effective because Pygmies detest being ridiculed. Ridicule is a form of punishment and a form of restoring order. Tungana is the oldest member of the group. Though he has more progressive views, he is so old that he struggles with hunting, and so is left gifts of meat and food by his sons and others. Tungana also likes to steal from the Negro villagers. Moke is another elder. He pretends to be related to Tungana because he has no real relationship to anyone any longer. Turnbull notes that it was Moke, Kolongo (who has since died after being attacked by a crocodile), and Njobo who cut the marks on his head for his initiation.

Ekianga is described as vain and having three wives. Old Sau, a woman feared by everyone, always builds her hut next to Turnbull’s. The villagers think she is a witch, and Turnbull notes that, like other old BaMbuti, she fears she will be left when the group moves due to her age. Pygmies have no need for those who cannot help with the survival of the group. In this way, Sau tries to make herself known by speaking the most heatedly. Though the main families of the group are Njobo and Masisi, Tungana and Manyalibo, and Ekianga and his relatives, which include Amabosu and Sau, there is another, separate group. As Cephu’s group is large, but not large enough to form its own hunting party, the group attaches itself to the main group and accompanies them in the hunt. Whenever things do not go well, Cephu is blamed. He and his family keep to themselves and are often viewed as bitter. Though he is not much liked, Turnbull notes that Cephu is the best storyteller.

Turnbull also notes in this chapter how Pygmies have specific intonations in their language, which make it impossible for non-BaMbuti to understand their speech. They also have a name that they only call themselves while among other BaMbuti, and a name that they are called by the villagers. Though the BaMbuti are in the village, and “ruled” by village ways while there, Moke tells Turnbull that the Pygmies will soon return to the forest where they belong.

One of Cephu’s children dies, and many people blame him for neglect. Turnbull describes the funeral practices. The villagers have “chief” diggers. The bodies are bathed, scented, and wrapped in cloth. This is a Negro custom, and as the Pygmies are in the village at the time of the death, Cephu’s child receives this burial. Everyone is sad, especially as the little girl “died completely.” Turnbull explains how the BaMbuti have different words to explain the level of someone’s illness, with dying completely being the ultimate level. Cephu is inconsolable, and his wife and daughter must be dragged from the body.

Turnbull notes other traits or characteristics of the Pygmies. Unlike the Negro villagers, they have no rules about who can mourn at a funeral. Moreover, they do not need to find out who is responsible for the girl’s death. The villagers attribute her death to a witch. They view the forest as evil, and bad things are the result of witchcraft and darkness. Though the villagers seek to find the witch responsible, the BaMbuti merely shrug their shoulders and refuse to take part. Aside from these differences, Turnbull notes the BaMbuti love to laugh, and when they do they often hold each other up and slap their sides. They snap their fingers, and roll on the ground as well. The Pygmies always have fires going, even when it is hot outside.

Tensions eventually flare and the BaMbuti decide it is time to return to the forest. One catalyst is the death of Balekimito. She is thought of as a mother to everyone. Her funeral causes a lot of pain and suffering to the Pygmies, so much so that several people almost commit self-harm from their sadness. It is finally decided that the Pygmies will feast for a long time to honor her death. The molimo will be brought out, and the children of the forest will return to the forest.

Turnbull is awakened by Kenge and finds that the village is alive with movement. Everyone has begun to dismantle the huts and prepare for the trip back into the forest. Everyone is in good spirits, as they will soon be leaving the village for the safety of the forest. There are women preparing household items, including two of Ekianga’s wives, Arobanai and Loku, as well as children playing, and men checking their hunting nets. Turnbull describes the tump line that is used to carry things. Pygmies need their hands free; movement is their best weapon, so bundles are carried. These bundles are secured from a tump line across the chest for men and across the forehead for women. The line is made with bark.

Turnbull joins the men as they drink liko, a drink made from forest berries, nuts, and herbs. It is decided that Turnbull will go ahead with Kenge and other youths, while the women will take their time getting to the camp, which is several hours away by foot along the Lelo River. Some BaMbuti have already left as they will take their time foraging for nuts, berries, and mushrooms. Turnbull briefly mentions the spat between Ekianga’s third wife, Kamaikan, who is pregnant, and his other wives. Though Kenge delays their departure, when the time comes, they set off for the new camp. After about an hour, they reach where the “real” forest begins — where Negro villagers are afraid to enter — and bathe in the stream. Turnbull notes how, though Kenge and the other youths are hunters and men, they are not afraid to express their emotions. The forest is a happy life for them, and they joke and laugh until they cry, without shame or embarrassment. Turnbull also notes, that the only time Pygmies are quiet is when they are hunting.

They reach Apa Kadiketu, the first camp Turnbull stayed in with the Pygmies. He notes how strange it is to pass through the now-abandoned camp. The group catches up to the women and children who had started out early. Turnbull notes how they sing and clap their hands, moving at a slow gait. They do this both to forage for roots and food, but also to scare away any potential animal that might otherwise be startled and attack. He also notes how all BaMbuti women carry an ember from the fire with them. Though they and the children can start a fire seemingly anywhere, Turnbull is unable to do so.

After marching through the forest, and noting that it will soon rain, the group finally reaches the spot where they have decided to make camp. Turnbull considers the new campsite, Apa Lelo, one of the most beautiful places in the forest. The glade is almost an island and covered with grass. Though it storms there as well, it is gentler in this part of the forest. BaMbuti soon arrive and people begin claiming their spots and set to building their huts. As the camp is being prepared, Kenge suddenly stands, alarmed, and Turnbull sees that there is commotion in the forest. He runs off after Kenge and others to find that a sondu, a prized antelope, has been caught. It is a good sign to catch meat before the camp is finished. This omen ensures the BaMbuti that their camp will be a good camp.

Turnbull explains the building of huts and furniture. Bachelors typically sleep in their own tent. Families make their huts and, once finished, begin helping the latecomers. The mongongo leaf is used for the roof. The furniture is simple, yet effective, though Turnbull mentions that the beds are the most uncomfortable piece of furniture. The rain eventually comes, causing everyone to run indoors. Wet camps are sullen ones as rain puts a damper on hunting. When the rain clears, however, everyone comes back out and camp life resumes. Turnbull mentions that Pygmies are clean people. They do not like sitting on the ground. They either use leaves or logs or homemade chairs.

Turnbull observes youths carrying a basket from hut to hut and collecting offerings for the molimo. He watches the men sit around a fire and is told that this is the kumamolimo, the place of the molimo, a trumpet-like instrument; since everyone has arrived at camp, the festivities will soon start. Turnbull is later asked if he will accompany the youths to bring out the molimo from the forest. Some Pygmies protest as Turnbull is technically not one of them. Moreover, the trek will be brutal and fast, and at night. No one will stop to assist Turnbull, so he must be able to make it on his own. The elders leave it to Turnbull to decide and, as the youths move off, he decides that he will keep up with them, no matter what, and sets off.