Who are the BaAka? Characterize the earlier way of life of the Forest People (prior to being confronted with external forces such as multinational timber and mining companies)

What will be an ideal response?

• "The BaAka are one of several distinct ethnic groups who share certain physical, historical, cultural, and social features as well as adaptations to the natural world [Worlds of Music citing Turnbull, 1983]." Presently they are living in the forested areas of tropical central Africa (in the Central African Republic—locate this country on the map of Africa in Worlds of Music, p. 99). These groups are referred to collectively as the Forest People (rather than by the ethnocentric, Western label, "Pygmies," which refers to their smaller physical size).
• In earlier times the Forest People lived in small, close-knit groups of family and friends easily obtaining necessary food through cooperative hunting and gathering. As hunting bands with only portable material possessions, they would move in accordance with the availability of food. "The social system was informal and flexible . . ."