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Mbuti Pygmies of the Ituri Rainforest

Various Artists
Mbuti Pygmies of the Ituri Rainforest

Mbuti vocal music comprises a variety of solo and choral traditions. Songs are primarily concerned with Mbutis' nomadic life and the forest, from which their lives and those of the animal kingdom are sustained. These prized recordings have been remastered and resequenced to reflect Dr. Turnbull's original mode: the recording begins in the forest with music associated with hunting and gathering, moves to the village for a Bantu initiation ritual, and finally returns to the forest for the Mbuti rituals. This record documents the music discussed in the book The Forest People, read by many anthropology classes. A superbly annotated favorite among world music enthusiasts. "...[F]rom the moment Colin Turnbull lets the chatter and work rhythms of the encampment he's approaching engulf the jungle's ambient insect and bird music, I'm hooked." — The Village Voice.

*Content Advisory: Smithsonian Folkways Recordings holds a large volume of sound recordings, some of which were recorded almost a century ago. Preferred terminology has changed throughout the history of our catalog’s existence. This publication reflects wording that was preferred at the time, though it may be used pejoratively today.
For our policy on controversial recordings, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Track Listing

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101
In the Rainforest Approaching a Forest Camp Birds, crickets, and young Mbutim boys in the Ituri Rainforest 01:38
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102
Elephant Hunting Song Group of Mbuti men 03:05
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103
Elephant-Hunt Song Group of Mbuti men and boys 05:12
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104
Spear Song Group of Mbuti men 03:03
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105
Cries of Beaters during Net Hunting: Signalling and Shouting Group of Mbuti speakers 00:59
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106
Honey-Gathering Song Group of Mbuti women 02:54
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107
Animal Dance Song Group of Mbuti flute players 02:40
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108
Flute Duet Two Mbuti flute players 01:52
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109
Flute Solo Pakasi 02:07
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110
Slit-Gong Signalling Slit-gong players 01:15
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111
Mbuti Dance in Bantu Village Group of Mbuti men and women 02:15
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112
Lukembi and Voice Abdul Aziz 02:26
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113
Lukembi (Mbuti) Mbuti man playing lukembi 01:38
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114
Bachelor Duet with Lukembi Two male Mbuti singers 01:36
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115
Musical Bow Ndaka man playing musical bow 02:30
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116
Musical Sticks Nkumbi initiation dance 01:44
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117
Nkumbi Initiation Song Group of Mbuti boys led by Ndaka villager 00:45
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118
First Song of the Elima, the Women’s Society Group of Mbuti women 01:54
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119
Second Song of the Elima, the Women’s Society Group of Mbuti women 01:11
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120
First Molimo Fire Dance Song Group of Mbuti men 02:04
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121
Second Molimo Fire Dance Song Group of Mbuti men 01:26
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122
Molimo Song with a Preliminary Argument Group of Mbuti men and women 02:36
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123
First Molimo Song Sung Only on Occasions of Great Importance Group of Mbuti men 02:34
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124
Second Molimo Song Sung Only on Occasions of Great Importance Group of Mbuti men 01:53
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125
Molimo Song: Darkness Is Good Group of Mbuti men 02:17
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126
Molimo Song of Devotion to the Forest Group of Mbuti men 01:30