The Forest People

Compare the Negro villagers and the BaMbuti. Based on Turnbull’s narrative, which group seems to be more dependent on the other? Provide examples to support your answers.

Though the Negro villagers and BaMbuti view life differently, Turnbull mentions several customs that both groups share. Describe these customs, and explain how each group uses the custom to meet its needs.

The elima is an important event for Pygmy girls. What is this custom, and how does it affect the villagers as well as the BaMbuti?

The nkumbi is an important custom for Pygmy boys, though for different reasons than those of village boys. Explain the custom in detail, including its differences between villagers and Pygmies.

The molimo is a symbolic instrument, and a powerful force in the Pygmy belief system. What is the molimo, and why do the Pygmies place so much stock in its use? How is it made, and how does it differ from the molimo of the villagers? Be sure to use examples from the narrative.

The villagers and the Pygmies view death differently. Explain how each group views death, and what customs they enact (such as burial) in relation to death.

Turnbull mentions various Negro groups in the narrative, all of which he compares to the BaMbuti. Describe the various tribes that Turnbull encounters in the narrative. How do they interact with the BaMbuti? How are they similar or different?

Turnbull takes Kenge to visit other parts of Africa that are not in the forest. While traveling, they encounter different types of religion. What religions do they encounter? Describe their experiences, both good and bad, with each religion.