THE BAJAU PEOPLE

THE BAJAU

• Called Sea Gypsies
• Seaborne lifestyle
• Nomadic boat dwellers

ENVIORMENT

• Ethnic group of Southeast Asia
• Mostly sea based with a few on land
• The Bajau rely heavily on the resources around them

ECONOMY

• Fishing is the main activity
• Started with Sea Cucumber trade
• Most are fishermen or divers

RELIGION

• Strict Sunni Islam
• Forms of folk Islam
• Some Christianity
• Spirit boats are sent out to remove spirits
• Mediums are called at least once a year for cleansing

TECHNOLOGY

• Ragged wooden houses on stilts
• Long canoe like boats
• Spears and spear guns
• Nylon for nets was introduced in the 50's
• Boats are known as perahu lambo

ROLES

• Women and children weave and make pottery
• Men are the fisherman and do most of labor
• Children work on the shore gathering

CONFLICT

• DUE TO EARLIER CONFLICT THEY WERE FORCED TO MIGRATE SOUTH
• The number Sea Gypsies Bajau is slowly declining

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• The Bajau speak Sinama
• Made of many different sub groups
• Most are death from diving
• Divers spend more than 5 hours underwater
• The Pangigal is the signature dance

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