Remote tribes are scattered all over the world — from jungles to tropical islands. In this article, we will talk about eight remote tribes that continue to live a primitive lifestyle in the 21st century. These tribes are hidden in the deepest corners of the Earth or in the vast remote plains of Africa.
They are small groups of people who have largely preserved their ancient customs, traditions, and clothing. They live in a very primitive way, and when you observe their lifestyle, tools, and homes, you feel as if they’ve come from centuries in the past.
Here, we will get to know these eight original and unique tribes:
1. The Huli Wigmen Tribe – One of the Remote Tribes in Papua New Guinea
The tribe’s stunning headdresses are actually made from their own hair. The men in this isolated group of around 40,000 people grow their long hair and either use it for themselves or sell it to others.
They wear these hair-made headdresses, paint their faces yellow, hold axes, wear leaf aprons, and hang braided belts around their waists to intimidate rival tribes.
Traditions:
They perform the classic “bird dance,” just like the birds of paradise found on their island.
Outlook for the future:
They have successfully started blending modern life with their traditional way of living. Many now wear Western-style clothing and embrace tourism as a way to preserve and showcase their culture to visitors.
2. The Dogon Tribe – One of the Remote Tribes in West Africa
Location: Mali – West Africa
The men of this tribe use ropes made from baobab bark to climb the massive Bandiagara cliffs to collect pigeon and bat droppings, which are sold as organic fertilizer. They also collect “Tellem” artifacts, which are sold to Western art collectors.
More than 400,000 Dogon people live in around 700 small, precariously positioned villages along a 200 km-long cliff.
Future outlook:
Tourism brought economic prosperity when visitors started coming, but recent unrest has reduced the number of tourists.
Additionally, poor crop harvests have made life harder for the tribe.
3. The Skeleton Dancers Tribe – One of the Remote Tribes in Leshimbu, Papua New Guinea
Their appearance may seem familiar, as it resembles costumes seen in movies, masquerade parties, and more.
However, the tribe’s Skeleton Dance was originally intended to frighten enemy tribes in a region full of conflict and rivalry.
They live so remotely that little is known about their daily lives. What is known is that they inhabit rugged mountain valleys with a mild climate at altitudes between 1,600 and 2,400 meters.
Men and women live in separate houses, but they share their lives closely as family units.
Future outlook:
Although tourism is increasing slowly, it has led the tribe to perform their famous Skeleton Dance more frequently, which attracts visitors.
This is evident from the growing number of outsiders entering and engaging with the tribe.
However, tourism is less prominent in the traditional, remote environments where they live.
4. The Nomadic Reindeer Herders – One of the Remote Tribes in Nenets
Location: Yamal Peninsula, Siberia
This group consists of around 10,000 extremely hardy nomads.
They herd approximately 300,000 reindeer, migrating over 1,100 km across an area one and a half times the size of France, enduring temperatures that drop to -50°C.
They travel on sledges smeared with freshly slaughtered reindeer blood, in convoys stretching up to 8 km.
Despite oil and gas reserves being discovered in their territory in the 1970s, they have adapted well to their harsh, traditional lifestyle while gradually increasing their contact with the outside world.
Future outlook:
In the face of dwindling nomadic populations worldwide, they are trying to adapt to the social, political, and environmental changes surrounding them.
5. The Asaro Mudmen Tribe – One of the Remote Tribes in Goroka
Location: Goroka – Papua New Guinea
The men of this tribe cover their faces with clay, not to achieve flawless skin, but because they shape this raw material into terrifying masks that make them look like spirits.
This allows them to frighten other indigenous groups in the area.
This tribe is one of many that have lived on the highland plateau for over a thousand years.
They remained isolated due to rugged terrain and were only discovered around 75 years ago.
Future outlook:
The tribe’s success in becoming a tourist attraction has helped expand its role as a national cultural symbol.
6. The Himba Cattle Herders Tribe – One of the Remote Tribes in Namibia
Location: Namibia – Africa
The semi-nomadic Himba people live in northwestern Namibia and southern Angola.
When they are settled, they live in huts made of mud and dung.
A curious fact:
They have maintained an ever-burning sacred fire since their ancestors’ time, which burns 24/7 in honor of their god Mukuru.
Their real wealth is their livestock, with goats being the primary source of food.
Future outlook:
It is estimated that between 20,000 and 30,000 Himba people have left the tribe, and they face continuous threats from modern developments.
Nevertheless, many continue to preserve their traditional way of life.
7. The Kazakh Golden Eagle Hunters – One of the Remote Tribes in Bayan
Location: Bayan-Ölgii Province, Mongolia
They use eagles to hunt foxes, marmots, and wolves.
They wear the fur of the animals they catch. Even 13-year-old boys participate, demonstrating their strength by carrying the heavy golden eagles.
This semi-nomadic tribe has roamed the Altai Mountains since the 19th century.
Today, they number around 100,000 people, but only about 250 eagle hunters remain.
Future outlook:
As young people leave and nomadic life declines, women have started participating in activities traditionally dominated by men to preserve these customs and keep them alive.
8. The Bayaka Tribe – One of the Remote Tribes in the Central African Republic
Location: Southwestern rainforests, Central African Republic
This tribe lives by the “Jengi,” which they consider the spirit of the forest.
They possess rich knowledge of herbal medicine and use their language and unique hunting traditions.
They are one of several tribes living in this remote part of Africa, which has a population of around half a million people.
However, elders are now unable to pass down traditional skills because they can no longer venture deep into the forest.
Future outlook:
Many Pygmy communities have lost their traditional livelihoods, forced to give up their lands for logging and conservation projects.
In Conclusion : These were some brief insights into eight primitive, remote tribes around the world that continue to maintain their very traditional way of life — one that stands in stark contrast to our rapidly evolving modern world.
