Batek of Malaysia

The Batek of Malaysia

The Batek of Malaysia

They follow the rivers and streams because they rely on the water sources for drinking, bathing, and fishing. Unlike their agriculture counterparts these forging nomads are not afraid of the forest or what it inhibits. The Batek live in harmony with the land and their environment; they see their two greatest dangers as being severe thunderstorms and wild tigers. Other than that, it is essential to their religious and cultural beliefs that their people remain embedded within the forest as it creates a natural balance. They simplistic values find it only necessary to work to provide the basic essentials for their families; food, water, and shelter.

The Batek are very spiritual and believe that everything living in the forest has a spirit according to Endicott (1979; p.53.) The Batek are a peaceful society that does not tolerate aggressive or violent behavior. If conflict does exist between two members of a group, they meet and try to work their problem out. If they cannot work out their problem, they can ask the community for guidance to see if a resolution can be reached. If the problem persists, they can either avoid by having one member move to another camp.

This nomadic group of hunters and gathers rely on trade practices, forest tours, and other temporary forestry jobs, to obtain money or other monetary items required that they otherwise could not obtain. Some items that they receive from local Malayan traders include, rice, flour, tobacco, cloth, iron tools and other manufactured goods. The Batek work together as a group and share responsibilities within their bands and individual families; all items gathered or hunting are shared equally between the families primarily due to the lack of refrigeration and storage. Although this practice also helps each individual be self-sufficient regardless of age, sex, or health. They value the freedom and flexibility their forging lifestyle allows. It is not...