While many indigenous communities are widely known, there are countless tribes around the world whose histories, cultures, and traditions remain largely under the radar. These tribes offer a glimpse into unique ways of life, deep-rooted traditions, and fascinating survival techniques that have endured for generations. (unsplash)
Himba people: The Himba of Namibia are recognised for their distinctive red-toned skin, achieved using a mixture of butterfat and ochre, and instead of bathing with water, they rely on herbal smoke baths to maintain hygiene in their arid desert environment. (wikimedia commons)
Kalash people: Living in the remote valleys of Pakistan, the Kalash people follow a polytheistic religion unlike the surrounding regions, and they celebrate vibrant festivals like Chilam Joshi, marking seasonal changes with music and dance—traditions that are believed to predate many major world religions. (wikimedia commons)
Awa tribe: The Awa of Brazil are among the world’s last nomadic hunter-gatherers, with some members still living completely uncontacted, relying entirely on the Amazon rainforest for food, shelter, and survival. (wikimedia commons)
Mentawai people: The Mentawai people of Indonesia are known for their intricate full-body tattoos, which are among the oldest tattoo traditions in the world and serve as markers of identity, skills, and social roles within their deeply spiritual culture. (wikimedia commons)
Nenets people: The Nenets are nomadic reindeer herders living in the Arctic tundra of Russia, undertaking an extraordinary annual migration of over 1,000 kilometres, making it one of the longest continuous migration routes maintained by any indigenous group. (wikimedia commons)
Toraja people: The Toraja people are famous for their elaborate funeral rituals, where families may keep deceased relatives in their homes for months or even years, treating them as “sick” until they can afford a grand ceremony. (wikimedia commons)
