The Forest People Sparknotes

Colin Turnbull, author of the classic 1962 book, The Forest People, instantly dives into the direct relationship of cultural practices of the Mbuti, and as the reader, I as able to draw similar connections to our western civilization and the traits that are shared. Turnbull describes the closed world of the Mbuti (pg. 13) and how outsiders could view it as hostile, dangerous and unforgiving.

Turnbull speaks of hesitant village people, afraid of venturing into the forest. As they view it with despair, a place of evil. Instantly, after reading that passage, I could draw a close connection to different parts of western society and how many Americans are fearful of inner cities of New York or backward areas of Kentucky. He talks about the suspicion

They are able to hunt, gather wild fruits, and hide from outsiders. They do not fear their surroundings, as they understand their environment and its limits. No different from any other culture or society. Although they are a unique and smaller statured people, they have adapted to the needs and requirements of their location (pg.14, 33). The powerful and wise individual adapts to the circumstances that confronts them. Whether in the jungles of Africa or downtown Seattle, the human need for food, shelter, social interaction and reproduction remains the same.

To the Mbuti, the forest is their home. Something they love and understand (pg. 172). It is sacred and enduring. It gives life and provides for that life. Where the black villagers disliked entering the formidable forest, apprehensive and disturbed by the spirits from within, the Pigmies welcomed the comfort and peacefulness, which came once stepping foot into their familiar

With villagers using areas of the forest for farming, the Mbuti find the simplicity of trading with labor or items for the needs of their families. This transformation has created a change within their culture, which the author, Turnbull, found disturbing. I recognized this as a progression that has engulfed cultures around the world. The need to exchange or trade goods and services for a commodity, is the beginning of the transformation of the Mbuti society. Although the Mbuti tribes were quite unpredictable (since they came and went as they pleased), the growing trade between the “forest” and “non-forest” collectives, shows the dependency upon one