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

and fear of the forest, the same impenetrable wall that Americans see with cultures of our own country (pg. 13).
Just like western society, the Mbuti trust their world (the forest), as it supplies their people with all their needs.

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

settings.

Categorizing human groups:
The villagers looked at the Mbuti as a singular unit (pg. 19). Because they lived in the forest and lived similar culture, all Mbuti were viewed as “one”. I see that it is human nature to group individuals into categories. Around the world, we view societies according to location. Worldwide, those living in living in the United States are viewed as Americans. The cultural differences within the American has created many types of societies and distinct cultures. We are linked by our country, but are vastly different within our geographical demographics. I’m sure the Mbuti feel the same, as the needs and demands of their environment changes, so do the cultural differences adjust.

Music appreciation:
The universal love and use of music within their communities, link all cultures, big and small. The perception that music has a special place within society and hearing the unique song and instruments of the Mbuti (pg. 25, 45), allowed Turnbull to experience the traditional ceremonial melody, that in captures the essence of thought and perception (pg. 46). Just like American teens sit around the campfire and sing traditional songs of the past, so did Mbuti engage in the long established rituals of their fashion.

Trade/barter:
The changing Mbuti-villager relationship, has grown to encapsulate a typical bartering system.

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

another.

Death/marriage:
The loss or death of one within a society and the pain that materializes, is evident (pg. 40-41) as a human emotion. Shared in all cultures, Turnbull explains how the Mbuti mourned the death of a female member. The sadness, emotions, the finality and emptiness (pg. 49), all so similar to the emotions shared by all humans around the world. The funeral ending with a large celebration of life (pg. 47) and a large feast (associating a social gathering around food, family and friends), finalizing the end of a life. This shared end of life ceremony, is another common practice with all humans.
Although our social systems are different, the similarities with death, are also with joyous events like marriage. The participation in a ceremonial event, the unity of villages, the connection between families, remain the same for all. Again, the ceremony might be uniquely different or have contrasting meaning, but the cultural celebration is the same. There is no formal marriage ceremony, but a sister exchange that is commonly accepted as a Mbuti form of marriage.

Male/female roles:
Mbuti women and men play very common rules in society, comparable to many societies. The men are the hunters, the protectors, the leaders of the family. Women assume the role of the gatherer, the “housewife”, the maid, the cook (pgs. 52-53).
The appreciation of love of nature and the beauty that mother Earth has to offer, is a common trait by all humans. The Mbuti’s transformation to a new camp site (pg. 59), describes the forest and the kindness area that it has to offer the tribe. Turnbull expresses the beauty of the new camping area and the protection that one felt, from the forest and the superiority over the animal kingdom (pg. 60). I see the similarities of the land and Turnbull’s explicit descriptions, with what I feel when I venture into the woods or go camping. The sure simplicity of being one with nature and alluring pleasure that arises within its essence.
The commonality of coming of age in a society, transforming from child to adult and the physical maturity that takes place in the body (pg. 185). Turnbull describes the celebration that occurs when a young lady begins menstruating and the festival called “elima” would transpire. Although the ceremonies and commonalities are completely different, the enthusiasm of a child entering adulthood, is an accepted and celebrated event commonly shared in most cultures.

Relationships:
Common thread between all humans, is the lack of love between some neighbors. People are simply not going to get along, whether in the jungle or in the city. Turnbull displays the common dislike of family members (pg. 68) and grudges and grievances can overlap into the tribe. In the Mbuti tribe, Turnbull explains the direction of one’s hut was a simple determination of an individual’s jealousy or animosity towards someone. It goes to show that every culture has its own personality issues.
All societies are governed by rules and the Mbuti are no different (pg. 83). General patterns of conduct that is accepted as proper. Proper conduct with the elderly, is especially important. The older community holds the secrets of the past, the expertise of life, the history of the family (pg. 91). The Mbuti would have Turnbull ask the older male members of the tribe for information and history about the milimo. The tribe gave the elders the respect of “sharing knowledge”, as they are the wise leaders, who mentored. Like most cultures, we look to our senior community/elders for guidance and teaching. We see those with age, as experienced and who are enlightened.
The shared trait of scolding bad behavior was witnessed in Turnbull’s book several times. The chapter of Cephu and the anger and verbal scolding that the tribe gave the individual (pg. 103), demonstrates a common human attribute, to embarrass an individual to correct or shape behavior. The tribe ignored Cephu and altered their behavior, by turning their back on him. Younger members of the group, mocking his unaccepted behavior and creating an uncomfortable situation for the individual and making them go without food (pg. 108). I instantly saw the similarities in American culture, as some send their children to bed without dinner, for bad behavior or wrong doings. Mockery and hunger is a universal tool for correcting managing improper conduct.
Entertainment:
The forest is their home, their food, their playground. I nightly music and dancing, brings unity. But the children are going up within the forest, and like children, they imitate their adults and utilize the forest (their environment) for entertainment (pg. 129). Climbing trees, pretending to hunt, acting like an animal, these children are no different from any human children, filling their day with giggles and mischief.
Women stick with one another creating elaborate clothes and belts (pg. 131). Many of adult (men and women) hours are spent on items for the tribe, preparing necessities for hunting, fishing, and trapping. Entertainment is time spent fixing huts, preparing food, sleeping and raining the children. Common daily activities one would find around the world.