8 ancient indigenous tribes you should know about

Our planet hides the most unique history of indigenous tribes that have preserved their cultural identities, languages, and lifestyles for over thousands of years now. The lifestyle of indigenous people offers a great insight into the diverse heritage of humans.

Despite going through several grand changes including globalization, there still exist Indigenous communities that are resilient and rooted in ancestral traditions and believe to survive in isolation without the interference of modern people and the gadgets.
On this note, a look at eight authentic Indigenous tribes from around the world.

The Maasai people are a semi-nomadic. This ethnic group of people is found mainly in Kenya and northern Tanzania. The tribe can be identified with their vibrant shukas (cloaks), elaborate beadwork, and cattle-centric culture. Till date, the Maasai have maintained their ancient traditional practices. They speak Maa, which is a Nilotic language, old as ever!

The Ainu is a forgotten tribe from Japan. These Indigenous live on Hokkaido Island and speak a distinct endangered language. The tribe was officially recognised by the Japanese government in 2008. The Ainu continue efforts to preserve their identity.

Yanomami live in the Amazon rainforest and know the forest very well. They are one of the largest relatively isolated Indigenous groups in South America with a population of about 35,000. They live in communal structures called shabonos. Their main occupation is fishing, hunting, and slash-and-burn agriculture.

San, also known as Bushmen, are among the oldest continuous cultures on Earth. They have archaeological evidence tracing back over 20,000 years! Inhabiting Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and South Africa, they are known for their intricate rock art.

You’ll be shocked to know that the Sámi are the only recognized Indigenous people of the European Union. They live in Sápmi—a region spanning parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Traditionally they are reindeer herders, fishers, and hunters with their own languages.

The Navajo Nation is the largest federally recognized tribe in the U.S., with over 300,000 members. They speak Diné Bizaad (Navajo language) which is among the most widely spoken Native languages in North America.

The Chukchi live in the Chukotka Peninsula of Siberia. They herd reindeer, hunt sea mammals, and can survive extreme Arctic conditions. Their language, Chukchi, belongs to the Chukotko-Kamchatkan family. Chukchi spiritual beliefs center around shamanism and the natural world.

They are different from mainland Aboriginal Australians. Torres Strait Islanders live on the islands between Queensland and Papua New Guinea and they rely on fishing, storytelling, and dance to sustain traditions. They are increasingly vocal in Australian Indigenous rights movements.