While the entire world is modernising their way into the 21st century, it is hard to believe that there are a few people/ tribes who remain untouched by human society. A few of these tribes are oblivious to the thought of a world beyond their existence. They have been living under a literal rock. One of these tribes is the Sentinelese tribe of North Sentinel Islands.
The Sentinel Islands are a part of the Andaman Islands of India
situated in the Bay of Bengal. The islands comprise of North and South Sentinel
Islands where the north is mostly inhabited by the Sentinelese tribe.
Geography of the
Sentinel Islands
While the North Sentinel Islands are occupied by the
Sentinelese tribe, the South of the island is comparatively smaller in size. Due
to the island having an area of only 162 hectares, it currently remains uninhabited
by people but is home to coconut crabs and a dense forests.
The North Sentinel Islands are surrounded by coral reefs and
tall trees. Maurice Vidal Portman, a British naval officer who documented the
lives of several tribes mentioned that the island was a ‘park-like’ jungle.
Although anthropologists have been unable to gather all the
information of the flora and fauna of the islands, it was reported that a heap
of pig skulls were found outside a Sentinelese village. Portman also spoke
about the presence of the Indian Boar which explained the pig skulls found in
the village.
What are the Sentinelese?
The Sentinelese tribe are a group of indigenous people who
have voluntarily chosen to stay isolated from the rest of the world. The
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act 1956 prevents
any tourism or visits to the Sentinel Islands to protect the tribe from
contracting any disease that they are not immune to.
The population of this tribe remains a mystery. In 1971, the population recorded was 82 which kept fluctuating over a period of years. The
exact population cannot be determined since the anthropologists have observed
them only from a distance. They could be as low as 15 people or as many as 500.
The height of an average Sentinelese tribal is estimated to
be around 5ft 3inches. A possible explanation to their height is insular dwarfism also called as the ‘Island effect’. The effect hits those who belong
to the primitive culture and may not be able to fully develop when they reside
among a small population. However, this could also be due to lack of nutrition or
passed on genetically.
The Sentineleses are hunter-gatherers who thrive mainly on
sea food and meat. They make their own canoes just like the Onge tribe who call
them “Chanku-ate”. Their bow and arrows are similarly designed and the weapons
are described as heavier, sharper than any other Andamanese tribe.
They reside in huts that are made by them with leaf roof
tops and sleep on the floor. Although unaware about the invention of metal,
they have been using aluminium cookware that was left by the National
Geographic Society in 1974. That is the only form of metal that they have
known. However, they have made best use of their knowledge and used it in their
weapons.
They are normally dressed naked but have been spotted
wearing a few accessories like headbands and necklaces. Some reports have
mentioned the use of deceased relative’s bones as accessories too. The men carry
a weapon with them strapped to their body at all times.
Why is the North
Sentinel Islands Banned?
The Sentinelese have been hostile towards any human
interference on their islands and refuse to communicate with any human beings. Several
efforts have been made by anthropologists and researchers to interact with
them, but the untouched tribe has tried to attack. As a result, the study had to be called off.
The isolated tribals have sunk two boats and shot arrows at
a coast guards choppers on several occassions. In 2018, they killed John Allen Chau, an American who travelled
illegally to North Sentinel to spread Christianity among the tribe.
Today, the Sentinel Islands are protected by the Indian Navy
and only after receiving clearance, the researchers can travel to the prohibited
island. Although it is hard to believe that a few tribes yet exist without any
modern technology, it is essential to protect the rights of the primitive
society n order co-exist in harmony.
Written by Jerusha Patel
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