SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG BABONGO IN SOUTHERN GABON

Abstract

Largely because the Babongo in central and southern Gabon sedentarized and adopted agriculture, they have not attracted much attention of researchers who are interested in hunting-gathering activities and relationships with the natural environment. Many aspects of their livelihood and social life still remain unclear. This article, therefore, describes and analyzes Babongo settlement distribution, residential pattern, subsistence and economic activities, residential mobility, visiting activities and social relationships based on quantitative data collected in the field. In particular, their sedentary lifestyle and social relationships are discussed, focusing on the interethnic relationship with the neighboring Massango farmers.