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THE
Our journey begins relatively close to home, straddling the tropical island chains of
maritime Southeast Asia. The region is ornated upon the coral triangle, the golden crown
ATLAS that the art of catching fish is deeply ingrained in the skill set of the Sama-Bajau, the
of marine habitats. With the abundant seafood made available there, it is no surprise
predominant fishermen of the region.
The Sama-Bajau are a diverse collection of ethnic groups famous for their seaborne
lifestyle. The term “Sama” refers to the land dwellers, while “Bajau” pertains to those who
live at sea. Their livelihoods are intrinsically intertwined with the ocean, and in certain
villages, life is spent entirely at sea. Traditionally, the Bajaus live on stilted settlements
established along coastlines, or in houseboats known as “lepa”. Nowadays, these
houseboats also function as fishing and trading platforms serving alongside small fishing
OF emerged as the most dominant species on Earth. circular, plant-based motifs, originating from their ancient animistic beliefs. Reliant on
Homo sapiens, commonly known as humans, have
boats known as “perahu” and “vinta”. These boats sport distinctive “okil” sculptings with
Originating from the great Kenyan Rift Valley in Africa,
the ocean for subsistence, the Sama- Bajau have mastered the technique of dive fishing
they have spread across the globe, establishing small
settlements that have since evolved into the powerful across countless generations. Remarkably, evolution has endowed the Bajaus with
unique traits to facilitate their freediving capabilities with enlarged spleens, enhanced
nations and empires we see today. The thousands of
US years of expansion have given rise to many languages reasons for their freediving prowess. Regrettably, modern
underwater eyesight, and hypoxia resistance, being critical
and cultures, each unique to its own ethnic group. These
border divisions have severely impacted their nomadic
lifestyle. Countries that were historically trade partners now
traits are shaped by various historical and geographical
influences, from natural borders formed by rivers view them as illegal immigrants, turning them away from
and mountains to networks established by pacts and the shores they require to resupply and trade.
Written by
Lee Jun Koi Sr1ScC trade. Regardless of their diverse circumstances, one
thing remains clear: they are a piece of human history
worth celebrating. So join us as we navigate the atlas of
humanity, charted by ancient cultures, inhabited lands
and cherished customs that define our place on this
ethno-infused map.
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