Journey to the Margins: A Visual Chronicle of Hidden Indigenous Tribes Around the World
By Sophia Maddox | March 22, 2024
The Korubu: Masters of Ancient Traditions
Lost tribes, hidden away in remote jungles, deserts, mountains, or islands, preserve ancient ways of life that intrigue and captivate our imaginations. Their rich cultures and untold stories spark curiosity, offering a glimpse into a world untouched by modernity. These resilient communities cling to traditions and languages passed down through generations, showcasing the enduring strength of the human spirit. As we contemplate their existence, we're reminded of our own connection to history and what it truly means to thrive in harmony with nature. Join us on a journey to uncover the extraordinary tales of these lost tribes and celebrate the resilience that binds us all together.
The Korubu call themselves the Dslala tribe. This tribe has split into two groups. The smaller group is much more open to contact from outsiders than the main group. The bigger group lives in the western Amazon Basin. These tribes are clubbers who are incredibly violent. They stain their wooden clubs, which are often taller than they are, red. This tribe also uses blowpipes that they string with bamboo quivers. Members perform a special dance ritual before each hunting trip. Its purpose is to bring good luck to the hunters.
The Korubu live in small huts. The doors to these huts have very narrow openings. This makes it harder for them to be surprised by outside intruders. They tie raffia streamers around their heads and upper arms on special occasions. They usually eat fish and stewed monkeys while the women raise maize and yucca in fields.
Huaorani: Defenders of Tradition in Ecuador's Remote Wilderness
The Huaorani people live in Ecuador's Amazon Forest. There are almost 4,000 people who speak their language living in five communities near the Curaray and Napo rivers. Two of these communities have rejected all outside contact.
They hunt monkeys, birds, and wild peccaries. This tribe has many hunting taboos. For example, they will not eat deer because their eyes look too much like human eyes. Traditionally, they have used blowguns that are about 10 feet long. They used poison arrows to paralyze the animals, making them easier to kill.
Trees play a vital role in their religion. They draw many analogies between the way trees grow and their own lives. In addition, their language has no word for tomorrow or yesterday. They stay very focused on the present.
The Carabayo: Unseen Protectors of Colombia's Virgin Jungle
Contact with the Carabayo remains minimal. There are at least three groups of them living in Colombia's Río Puré National Park. They live in longhouses. The first contact with these people occurred over 400 years ago. That meeting resulted in violence as has every contact since then. The Colombian government has passed laws that no one is supposed to bother them.
Little is known about the Carabayo as they have limited contact with outsiders. They live deep within the dense rainforest, inhabiting remote areas along the rivers of the Amazon Basin. The Carabayo are believed to be hunter-gatherers, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for their subsistence.
Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau: People of the Amazon's Hidden Heartland
The Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau live in small villages in the Western Brazilian state of Rondônia. Traditionally, they lived in homes built of wood, palm leaves, and thatch. The homes had very high roofs and doors on two sides to stimulate airflow. Today, they often live in wooden houses. They raise cassava, maize, and bananas on small plots. People also gather berries and nuts from the forest.
Initial contact with this group occurred in about 1906. Additional contact happened in 1980 when 250 people were counted. Within 13 years, their number fell to 88. Respiratory illnesses caused by outsiders decimated the area's six villages. In the early 2020s, the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau embraced technology to make a film portraying their plight.
The Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau holds many unique festivals throughout the year. Men often play bamboo flutes and dance during these festivals.
Ayoreo People: Nomads of Paraguay's Forgotten Wilds
The Ayoreo people live in the Gran Chaco region with its dense forests, dry plains, and thorny scrublands. They have remarkable skills in hunting and gathering and rely on their intimate knowledge of the forest to find food and resources for their communities. They view the forest as a source of sustenance, spirituality, and cultural heritage. This fosters a profound sense of belonging and stewardship for future generations.
They build their traditional homes, called "toldos," from branches, palm leaves, and other natural resources. This reflects their close relationship with the land and showcases their sustainable way of life.
The Ayoreo have adapted fairly well to the modern world. They often speak both their native language and Spanish. This illustrates their resilience and adaptability and exhibits their ability to move between traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
The Tribes of New Guinea: Custodians of Unique Cultures
The tribes of New Guinea are diverse and unique. They are found in dense forests and rugged mountains. Each tribe has its own languages, customs, and traditions. Many tribes rely on subsistence farming and traditional methods passed down through generations. Rituals are important in their culture.
Some tribes still use traditional tools and weapons made from natural materials like wood and stone. Modern influences are also present in many communities, reflecting the region's changing dynamics. They share a deep reverence for their land. In addition, they have a strong sense of community bonds.
Efforts are underway to preserve their cultures. The government and various groups are trying to protect their rights. Yet, they face a lot of external pressure.
The Sentinelese: The World's Most Isolated Tribe
The Sentinelese live on North Sentinel Island in the Bay of Bengal. In 1880, a British officer named Maurice Vidal Portman tried to abduct several members of this tribe. While initially successful, they got sick and died. Since then, they have been left alone. The Sentinelese survive by fishing, hunting, and gathering fruits. Their tools are basic, like bows and arrows. They live in shelters made of leaves and branches. The Sentinelese fiercely protect their island from outsiders. They've attacked people who try to come close. This makes them one of the most isolated tribes in the world. Their language, customs, and way of life are mostly unknown. The Indian government has passed a law saying that no one can go near the island or contact the Sentinelese. This law aims to keep them safe and preserve their unique way of life.
Korowai: Treehouse Dwellers of Papua's Dense Rainforest
The Korowai are a unique tribe living in the dense forests of Papua, Indonesia. They live in houses high up in the trees. These treehouses can reach heights of 100 feet above the ground. The Korowai construct them using wooden poles, woven palm leaves, and other forest materials. The houses are sturdy and can accommodate several people. They are often built in clusters connected by narrow bridges or walkways made from vines. Each treehouse typically has a single room covered by a thatched roof. The houses are left open on the sides to allow air circulation, and some houses have additional platforms for storage or sleeping.
The Korowai survive by hunting, gathering, and growing their own plants. They cultivate sago palm, bananas, yams, and taro. Additionally, they gather wild fruits, nuts, and vegetables from the surrounding forest. The Korowai hunt animals like wild pigs and birds, and they also fish from nearby rivers.
Mysterious Mashco-Piro: Isolated Amazon Tribe Resists Contact
The Mashco-Piro are also called the Cujareno people. They live in remote rainforests of southeastern Peru along the Madre de Dios River. They eat fish, wild game, fruits, and roots. These people live in small camps near the river during the dry season. Then, they move further into the forest when it is wet. Members of this group also practice slash-and-burn agriculture to cultivate crops such as plantains, yucca, and corn.
The Mashco-Pico intricately paint their bodies for rituals, ceremonies, and social events. Different patterns and designs carry specific symbolism. They are also very skilled in beadwork using seeds, shells, and feathers found in the rainforest. Two men claim to have taken photos of this tribe while working with a local guide. Within a month of the images being released, the guide was found dead. He had a bamboo-tipped arrow in his heart.
Flecheiros: Brazil's Elusive Tribe Are Masters of Survival
The Flecheiros live in the rainforest in Brazil. They have had minimal contact with the outside world. During these meetings, they have been very cautious.
The Flecheiros are skilled hunters. This has led some researchers to call them "the Arrow Shooters," which is what "Flecheiros" means. They shoot various animals, including monkeys, birds, and small mammals. They use a variety of wood, including Brazilwood, palm wood, and bamboo, to make their bows. They make the bow's string from natural fibers or vines. Their hunters carefully twist or weave the vines together to make the string. They usually make their arrows from lightweight wood, such as bamboo. Then, they attach an arrowhead made from stone to the arrow.
The Flecheiros live in homes that they can assemble quickly. They use wood, leaves, and palm fronds to build them. This rare tribe often lives in small groups. Therefore, several huts may be grouped together.
The Awá: Guardians of the Uncharted Wilds
The Awá are also called the Guajá. They live in small nomadic groups in Brazil and Colombia's rainforests. This group is one of the world's most threatened tribes. It is estimated that there are only 100 members of this tribe left. The logging and oil industries threaten them. Since they do not want outsiders intruding, they have moved deeper into the forest. Therefore, some people question if the tribe even exists anymore. The Brazilian government has set up a reservation where they can live. Yet, many prefer to live in isolation, despite being frequently threatened by armed loggers.
The Awá people often sleep on hammocks that they weave from palm fronds and live in extended family groups. The entire family often goes on trips to collect nuts and berries. They are also skilled hunters.
The Nukak: Rainforest Nomads of Colombia's Depths
The Nukak people live in Colombia's forests. They often eat monkeys, birds, and small mammals. In addition, they eat fish caught in local streams. People worldwide became aware of them when about 40 showed up in Calamar, Colombia.
Traditionally, these people used ingredients from five plants to make a poison that they would put on blow darts for hunting. After being forced out of their homes, they would wad a ball of rubber gum and use these darts to hit birds with the substance, which made it harder for the birds to fly and easier for the tribe to catch them. They also wrap their arms before scurrying up thorny trees, allowing them to move quicker and more nimbly. Members have a special call that they can perform to call a jungle bird. The bird scares away bees from their hive. Then, they can collect the honey.
The Tagaeri: Secretive Guardians of Ecuador's Ancient Forests
The Tagaeri are an indigenous tribe living in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. They are a subgroup of the Huaorani people who broke off from the main group in 1968. At that time, their leader was a man named Tagae. While the main group accepted missionaries, Tagae did not want anything to do with them.
They prefer to remain isolated from the outside world. Instead, they live deep within the dense rainforest, away from modern civilization.
Little is known about the Tagaeri as they have limited contact with outsiders. They inhabit remote areas of the Amazon Basin and live far from established settlements and infrastructure. The Tagaeri are believed to be hunter-gatherers who rely on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for subsistence.
The Hodï: Protectors of Venezuela's Hidden Savannas
The Hodï, also known as the Hodi or Joti, reside in southeastern Venezuela in a region called "the Gran Sabana." It has vast savannas, tall tabletop mountains, and dense rainforests. They were one of the last groups in Venezuela to make contact with outsiders.
They live in communities with a lot of space between each other. Many people move often. They try to settle near rivers or streams. This group relies on fishing, and they also hunt with bows and arrows for deer and birds. Furthermore, they raise cassava, plantains, and maize in small garden plots.
The Hodi has many oral traditions. They pass them down from one generation to the next by telling stories. The Hodi love nature. They believe spirits inhabit the land, water, and sky, and protecting their land is essential to them.
The Piaroa: Stewards of Venezuela's Lush Rainforests and Masters of Sustainable Living
About 14,000 Piaroa people live near the tropical forests east of the Middle Orinoco River in Amazonas, a Venezuelan state. Despite having been nomadic in the past, they now stay in permanent communities.
The Piaroa's way of making a living has changed over time. Before, they farmed, fished, hunted, gathered, and traded. Now, they live in stable settlements where they accept modern ways. They grow crops in permanent gardens. Some residents raise animals. Others work for money. They often buy modern things and seek educational opportunities.
The Piaroa believe that competition leads to bad things, like cannibalism. They think fighting over resources and who controls them makes people violent. They want their leaders to avoid competition and share resources. But sometimes, their leaders do compete for power. Even though the Piaroa have more or less embraced modern practices, some vestiges of their old culture exist; for example, they still practice prearranged marriages.
The Pacahuaras: Amazon's Veiled Protectors
The Pacahuaras reside in the Amazon rainforest. They are primarily found in Rondônia, Brazil. They built simple homes using wood, palm leaves, and other foliage. Homes often have a thatched roof supported by wooden poles or branches. The walls may be made from woven palm leaves or bamboo that protect them from the elements while allowing for ventilation.
The size and design of Pacahuaras' homes can vary depending on the needs of the family or community. Some may be small and temporary while others are larger and more permanent. The houses are usually sparsely furnished with essential sleeping, cooking, and storage items.
The Pacahuaras traditionally lived as semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who relied on the abundant resources of the rainforest. Residents often practiced shifting cultivation. Therefore, they moved their settlements often to protect them. They also hunted, fished, and gathered fruit and nuts.
Rare Glimpse: Kawahiva Tribe Captured in Rarely Seen Photographs
Photos of the Kawahiva group are scarce. This group lives in the northern region of Mato Grosso, Brazil. They have had minimal contact with outsiders. Researchers know much about this group from the evidence they have left behind. This group moves often. They live in simple shelters made from branches, leaves, and other natural materials. Hunting, fishing, and gathering are their primary means of survival. They use traditional tools and methods for these activities. This group uses a primitive spinning wheel to make string. They also make fishing nets of tree bark.
In August 2013, a video of the Kawahiva tribe surfaced. The video was recorded by a person who works for the government. It shows nine members of the tribe walking and talking in the forest. They are all naked. Some of the men have bows and arrows.
Man of the Hole: Lone Survivor of an Uncontacted Tribe
Brazilian government officials first spotted the "Man of the Hole" in 1996. They found him while investigating reports of illegal logging. He was near the Tanaru River in Rondônia, Brazil.
Efforts were made to contact the "Man of the Hole" over the years, but he avoided contact with outsiders. The Brazilian government monitored his movements, which helped ensure his safety. He maintained his distance from the outside world and remained one of the last known survivors of his uncontacted tribe. He became a symbol of the challenges faced by indigenous peoples.
On August 24, 2022, Brazilian government officials found him dead, lying on his hammock, head decorated with macaw feathers.
Yanomami: Unyielding Defenders of the Rainforest
The Yanomami reside along the Brazil-Venezuela border in the Amazon rainforest. They are one of the largest isolated tribes in South America. Experts estimate that there are about 35,000 individuals.
They have a deep respect for age-old traditions and customs. They get part of their food by hunting and another part by fishing. They also gather food from the forest. They do some slash-and-burn farming to grow cassava and plantains.
They live in large, circular homes. Many people live in the same house, called a shabono. The home has a wooden frame and a thatched roof. Family units are at the heart of their culture. They talk to the village elders and religious leaders if tough decisions need to be made. These leaders make a decision that everyone follows.
The Pintupi Nine: Last Nomads of the Desert
The Pintupi Nine were a group of nine Australians who spoke the Pintupi language. Two women led the family unit. They lived a nomadic lifestyle in the Western Desert of Australia. They had their first contact with outsiders in 1984. The group had seven adults and two children. They lived by hunting and gathering in the desert. Usually, they ate goanna and rabbit that they killed with a boomerang and wooden spears.
Eventually, the government forced them to move into modern housing, so they moved in with a relative who introduced them to contemporary society. After leaving the desert, five of the members made their living as artists. Doctors examining the nine people declared them to be in perfect health.
Many people around the world heard the story of the Pintupi Nine. It caused people to wonder if indigenous people have the right to live how they want without government interference. Indigenous rights are still a very hot-button issue in Australian politics.
