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Intrepid filmmaker explores one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes

Daily Mail Online 1 day ago

An intrepid filmmaker has revealed how he spent three days living with one of the world's last hunter-gatherer tribes in a bid to document their stripped-back existence. 

Ruhi Çenet ventured to near Lake Eyasi in Northern Tanzania with a guide and translator where he met with members of the Hadza tribe. 

He explains in a YouTube documentary detailing his trip, that the Hadza people 'survive by hunting their food with bows and arrows just like our ancestors did thousands of years ago deep into the wild savannah.'

Some of the animals they hunt for food, Ruhi says, include rock hyrax, squirrels, antelopes, and baboons, and to wash it down, they drink 'muddy water,' as their 'immune system is strong enough to deal with the bacteria and parasites.'

Along with a unique diet, Ruhi reveals that the Hadza people speak a complex language called Hadzane which combines spoken words with clicking noises. 

Ruhi Çenet ventured to near Lake Eyasi in Northern Tanzania with a guide and translator where he met with members of the Hadza tribe
Ruhi Çenet ventured to near Lake Eyasi in Northern Tanzania with a guide and translator where he met with members of the Hadza tribe 
He explains in a YouTube documentary detailing his trip that the Hadza people 'survive by hunting their food with bows and arrows just like our ancestors did thousands of years ago'
He explains in a YouTube documentary detailing his trip that the Hadza people 'survive by hunting their food with bows and arrows just like our ancestors did thousands of years ago'
Some of the animals they hunt for food, Ruhi says, include rock hyrax, squirrels, and baboons
Some of the animals they hunt for food, Ruhi says, include rock hyrax, squirrels, and baboons

After being introduced to the tribe's chief, Sakoro, Ruhi prepares to go on a hunt with the male tribe members. 

They wake up very early in the morning in the darkness with around 10 hunting dogs in tow.

Their weapons of choice include knives and arrows, with some rubbed with poison. 

As a form of camouflage, the men wear baboon furs and other animal skins on their head as well as around their torsos.  

The main portion of Ruhi's short film then focuses on the arduous and tiring task of hunting for food. 

The dogs help sniff out rock hyrax and mongoose in their underground dwellings, before the tribesmen go in and spear the animals.

To lure their prey, the tribesmen mimic animal sounds, with one crying out like a baboon and another mirroring the melody of a bird. 

Steadily, over many hours, the hunters rack up an impressive number of kills but they fail to find any baboons. 

During their hunt, one man also found a giant snail but Ruhi says that the young people don't like the taste so they offer them to the elders
During their hunt, one man also found a giant snail but Ruhi says that the young people don't like the taste so they offer them to the elders
Along with a unique diet, Ruhi reveals that the Hadza people speak a complex language called Hadzane which combines spoken words with clicking noises
Along with a unique diet, Ruhi reveals that the Hadza people speak a complex language called Hadzane which combines spoken words with clicking noises
Ruhi reveals that there has been a drop in animal population in the region where the Hadza people live due to 'neighboring tribes cutting down trees and driving away wildlife'
Ruhi reveals that there has been a drop in animal population in the region where the Hadza people live due to 'neighboring tribes cutting down trees and driving away wildlife'

During their breaks, the men eat from honeycombs and Ruhi explains that honey is the tribe's 'liquid gold' and it is 'packed with energy and vital nutrients to keep them going strong in the wild.'

While they get a good haul during their hunt, Ruhi reveals that there has been a drop in animal population in the region where the Hadza people live due to 'neighboring tribes cutting down trees and driving away wildlife for crops and livestock.'

This means survival has becoming increasingly tough for the ancient tribe. 

When they return to the main camp after more than seven hours of hunting, the tribesmen cook some of the animals and offer some to Ruhi. 

While they discuss their diet, one of the tribesmen explains that they like eating 'hands and the back parts of baboons' and 'baboon buttocks are sweet.' 

With no baboon on the menu, Ruhi tucks into some rock hyrax. 

He tells viewers: 'I'm honored that the Hadza people share their hunt with me which they got with a lot of effort.

'For those who really want to learn what rock hyrax meat is like, it's honestly quite rubbery.'

In another scene of the documentary, younger members of the tribe are seen as they refine their bow and arrow skills
In another scene of the documentary, younger members of the tribe are seen as they refine their bow and arrow skills
As a form of camouflage, the men wear baboon furs and other animal skins on their head and around their torsos
As a form of camouflage, the men wear baboon furs and other animal skins on their head and around their torsos
At the end of the film, Ruhi highlights the importance of trying to keep the tribe alive and protect their environment
At the end of the film, Ruhi highlights the importance of trying to keep the tribe alive and protect their environment

During their hunt, one man also found a giant snail but Ruhi says that the young people don't like the taste so they offer the molluscs to the elders.   

In another scene of the documentary, younger members of the tribe are seen as they refine their bow and arrow skills. 

They use a tree trunk as target practice and Ruhi is impressed by their precision. 

A few women from the community also make a brief appearance as they go out digging for fruits and vegetables but Ruhi explains they are very camera shy. 

Ruhi spends a total of three days out hunting with the Hadza people but each day they return home 'empty-handed without a baboon for their family.'

At the end of the film, Ruhi highlights the importance of trying to keep the tribe alive and protect their environment. 

He concludes: 'Hadza people live this world as we did thousands of years ago... They are like a window to the past.'

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