28th November
Musings.......
A tribe is defined in anthropology as a human social group. The exact meaning of the word tribe is considered controversial because of its association with colonialism. In general use, the term may have a negative connotation as it may refer to people who are perceived to be primitive. The system of classification for societies from anthropological point of view, is based on evolution of social inequality and the role of the state. It contains-
1) Hunter Gatherer bands that are generally egalitarian
2) Tribal societies with some limited instances of social rank and prestige.
3) Stratified tribal societies led by chieftains
4) Civilizations, with complex social hierarchies and organised institutional governments
We obviously belong to the fourth category and the now well known Sentinelese tribe belong to the first category.
The Sentenelese are an uncontacted tribe living on North Sentinal Island, one of the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean. They are the most isolated tribes in the world. They continue to resist all contact with outsiders attacking anyone who comes near. As we all know, recently John Allen Chau, an American man, was killed by members of the Sentinelese tribe for trying to establish contact. There is even views that John Allen was a religious missionary.
Neighbouring tribes were wiped out after the British colonisation of Andamans. These tribals lack immunity to common diseases which would decimate their population. Hence, under the circumstances, their choice of no contact seems wise from their point of view. The Sentinelese hunt and gather in the forest, and fish in the coastal waters. Unlike the Jarawa tribe seen in Andamans, they make boats.
Information from explorers show that the Sentinelese are extremely healthy and thriving. They attracted international attention in the wake of Tsunami in 2004, when a member of the tribe was photographed on a beach, firing arrows at a helicopter which was checking on their welfare.
For both the inhabitants protection and the safety of outsiders, it is against Indian law to travel within 3 miles of the island. The Sentinelese are considered Negrito. They have dark skin and may be shorter in stature than average humans. Their population is estimated to be between 15-500. The Sentinelese language remains unclassified and mostly is isolate without bilingual translators because of lack of contact.
In August 1981, the cargo ship Primrose was capsized in rough seas just off North Sentinel Island, stranding a small crew. Crew was threatened by the islanders who were later rescued by helicopters.
The missionary John Allen Chau visited this island multiple times, always with the help of fishermen. Chau recorded that he was greeted by the islanders with a mixture of amusement, bewilderment and hostility. Chau wrote- " Lord is this Island Satan's last stronghold where none have heard or even had the chance to hear your name?" stating his desire to convert the tribe and was fully aware of the risks and the illegality of his visits to the island.
He also wrote " The eternal lives of this tribe is at hand and I think it's worthwhile to declare Jesus to these people. Please do not be angry at them or at God if I get killed... "
Human rights group Survival International said it was possible that Chau had infected the tribe with pathogens to which they have no immunity with the potential to wipe out the entire tribe.
Clamour for arresting and punishment for the murder of Chau has been voiced from various quarters. However, those who sympathise with the tribals say, Chau was illegally trying to enter the island and any interference with the Sentinelese.
In times of Artificial intelligence, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality it is hard to believe such people exist and shows how starkly contrasting and unequal this world is. It is amusing yet thought provoking to know that human race having reached the Moon, Mars and even the Sun through its satellites is yet to reach a tiny island off the coast of Port Blair.
Food for Thought.......
RC
rohitchennithala.blogspot.com
A tribe is defined in anthropology as a human social group. The exact meaning of the word tribe is considered controversial because of its association with colonialism. In general use, the term may have a negative connotation as it may refer to people who are perceived to be primitive. The system of classification for societies from anthropological point of view, is based on evolution of social inequality and the role of the state. It contains-
1) Hunter Gatherer bands that are generally egalitarian
2) Tribal societies with some limited instances of social rank and prestige.
3) Stratified tribal societies led by chieftains
4) Civilizations, with complex social hierarchies and organised institutional governments
We obviously belong to the fourth category and the now well known Sentinelese tribe belong to the first category.
The Sentenelese are an uncontacted tribe living on North Sentinal Island, one of the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean. They are the most isolated tribes in the world. They continue to resist all contact with outsiders attacking anyone who comes near. As we all know, recently John Allen Chau, an American man, was killed by members of the Sentinelese tribe for trying to establish contact. There is even views that John Allen was a religious missionary.
Neighbouring tribes were wiped out after the British colonisation of Andamans. These tribals lack immunity to common diseases which would decimate their population. Hence, under the circumstances, their choice of no contact seems wise from their point of view. The Sentinelese hunt and gather in the forest, and fish in the coastal waters. Unlike the Jarawa tribe seen in Andamans, they make boats.
Information from explorers show that the Sentinelese are extremely healthy and thriving. They attracted international attention in the wake of Tsunami in 2004, when a member of the tribe was photographed on a beach, firing arrows at a helicopter which was checking on their welfare.
For both the inhabitants protection and the safety of outsiders, it is against Indian law to travel within 3 miles of the island. The Sentinelese are considered Negrito. They have dark skin and may be shorter in stature than average humans. Their population is estimated to be between 15-500. The Sentinelese language remains unclassified and mostly is isolate without bilingual translators because of lack of contact.
In August 1981, the cargo ship Primrose was capsized in rough seas just off North Sentinel Island, stranding a small crew. Crew was threatened by the islanders who were later rescued by helicopters.
The missionary John Allen Chau visited this island multiple times, always with the help of fishermen. Chau recorded that he was greeted by the islanders with a mixture of amusement, bewilderment and hostility. Chau wrote- " Lord is this Island Satan's last stronghold where none have heard or even had the chance to hear your name?" stating his desire to convert the tribe and was fully aware of the risks and the illegality of his visits to the island.
He also wrote " The eternal lives of this tribe is at hand and I think it's worthwhile to declare Jesus to these people. Please do not be angry at them or at God if I get killed... "
Human rights group Survival International said it was possible that Chau had infected the tribe with pathogens to which they have no immunity with the potential to wipe out the entire tribe.
Clamour for arresting and punishment for the murder of Chau has been voiced from various quarters. However, those who sympathise with the tribals say, Chau was illegally trying to enter the island and any interference with the Sentinelese.
In times of Artificial intelligence, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality it is hard to believe such people exist and shows how starkly contrasting and unequal this world is. It is amusing yet thought provoking to know that human race having reached the Moon, Mars and even the Sun through its satellites is yet to reach a tiny island off the coast of Port Blair.
Food for Thought.......
RC
rohitchennithala.blogspot.com
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