Large Pygmy Wood Child's Stool Congo

A large Pygmy carving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Made of dense wood with a dark finish.

Pygmy carvings often reflect elements of their daily life, mythology, or spiritual beliefs. The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail in such carvings showcase the artistic skills and cultural heritage of the Pygmy people.

The Pygmy originate from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically the Ituri Forest. The Pygmy groups in this region, particularly the Bambuti or Mbuti, are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of the area. They have maintained a unique cultural identity despite limited acculturation with neighboring peoples.

Pygmy peoples, including the Bambuti, typically engage in hunting and gathering as their primary means of subsistence. They do not practice agriculture or cattle raising like many other groups. Instead, they rely on their intricate knowledge of the forest to gather food and hunt game. This lifestyle has contributed to their intimate connection with the natural environment.

Although the Pygmy groups often have symbiotic relationships with other ethnic groups in their vicinity, the close interaction has resulted in the adoption of the languages of their neighbors. As a consequence, many Pygmy communities have lost their indigenous languages over time.

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