Submitted by Natalie Gross on the 2020 winter session program in Tanzania sponsored by the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology…
One of my favorite parts of camping in the Tanzanian bush so far has been staying with the Hadzabe People of the Yaida Valley region. They are one of the most ancient indigenous groups on the planet, and one of the last true hunter-gatherer societies. We were fortunate to be able to gather tubers with Hadzabe women and go hunting in groups with the men. We learned how to make arrows for hunting, gathered honey from beehives in baobab trees, and spent time making beaded jewelry in camp. On our very last night, the Hadzabe joined us after dinner to sing and dance around the fire. Their dancing was so loose and fluid, and I was in awe of the way they moved together. Their energy was infectious as they sang traditional songs and encouraged us to join them in dancing.
The Hadzabe way of life has been threatened by expanding game reserves and external social pressures, but thankfully, they have now secured protected community ownership of their land. I am grateful to have been able to experience a culture so completely opposite from my own. The Hadzabe People live for today only, saving and storing no food for tomorrow. Each day is a different adventure! We have a lot to learn from them.
