Etude écologique d'un campement de Pygmées Babinga (Région de la Lobaye, RCA)

Abstract

After some background information on the distribution and physical characteristics of Pygmies in general, the author describes both the natural and ethnic environment of the BaBinga of the Central African Republic. Details on the climate, flora and fauna of the semi-deciduous rain forest they inhabit are followed by a description of the villages and fields of neighbouring Bantu populations. Next the author explains the composition of four BaBinga camps in which he did field work and provides the genealogies of their members. The section of this article devoted to ecology begins with a study of the relationship between the Pygmies and their Bantu masters. It then considers the principal subsistence activities of the BaBinga — collecting and gathering, trapping, and hunting — describing the implements and techniques used, the sexual division of labor, the food ressources exploited, etc. The Pygmies also obtain certain agricultural products from Bantu plantations. The composition and nutritive value of BaBinga meals are analysed, taking into account seasonal variations. After specifying the order of daily activities and of seasonal campsite shifts, the author briefly mentions the environmental consequences of the BaBinga way of life. The article ends with the comparison of ethnographic data reported by various anthropologists having studied the Pygmies and with a short discussion of acculturation among the BaBinga.