58 Scientific American, May 2020inal inhabitants of the forest; DNA studies
indicate that their ancestors have been liv-
ing in the region for at least 55,000 years.
Despite their superficial differences,
those Pygmy groups still living in intact for-
ests share similar approaches for living well in this environment—
their igloo-shaped leaf-and-liana huts, the tools they use for hunt-
ing or honey collecting, their distinctive singing style for
communing with forest spirits. Over the next three years, as Ingrid,
Nando and I covered many thousands of kilometers traveling
through the forest with Emeka, his wife, Mambula, and many other
members of his extended family, we were immersed in their
vibrant and egalitarian way of life. Our companions taught us how
to live successfully as hunter-gatherers:
how to walk and wade across huge
marshes; navigate using elephant trails;
hunt wild animals; collect fruit, wild
tubers, edible leaves and seasonal insects;
dam forest streams to trap fish; and play with forest spirits.
Emeka was our guide. He proved to be a strong and courageous
hunter; a caring, indulgent and diligent father and husband; an
even-tempered mediator and wise counselor; a skilled orator,
singer, storyteller and director of impromptu theatrical produc-
tions in the camp; and generous to a fault. The BaYaka’s economy
is based on the principle that if you see someone with something
you want, you simply ask for it. Living in such a demand-sharingBAYAKA CHILDREN enjoy a swing
crafted out of lianas in 1997. The
forest provides all their playthings.