From the tribes of remote jungles to the
yeti in the mountains, cultural tourism is full of possibilities. It can yield
enormous satisfaction and new understanding when undertaken with sensitivity
and good sense. It is a journey along unknown paths that lead to invaluable
treasures and enlightenment for the ones who are prepared to open their minds
wide. As we partake of all that’s on offer, it is only right to give back a
little, by way of responsible travel and ethical behaviour.
The various tribes of the world that have
managed to remain unscathed by the ravages of civilization are precious
repositories of eco-friendly life styles. These earth-friendly cultures are as
fascinating as the intricacies of the Universe itself. Increasingly, those
looking for respite from too much civilization are drawn to these pre-historic
caches of human life. As a result there have been instances where tourists rush
in where locals fear to tread, and invariably leave a trail of destruction in
their wake. There’s more to be gained from cultural tourism if it is approached
with a certain amount of sensitivity that may be termed responsible tourism.
In past centuries cultural or tribal
tourism was often motivated by sheer curiosity and had a voyeuristic element
which failed to appreciate the down to earth lifestyles of the tribal people.
There was a decided feeling of superiority and relief at not being “uncivilized
savages” themselves. Others felt an overwhelming need to civilize the “savages”
or bring them into the folds of religion. So, for whatever reason, there was a
pressing need to interfere in these indigenous lives to make them better.
Fortunately in the last few decades this
trend has been overtaken by a healthier attitude marked by a genuine interest
and responsible mindset, tinged with respect and appreciation for the subject. A
quest for understanding has taken tourists to the remote corners of Africa, Americas,
and Asia
to discover information regarding alternate ways of life. Anthropological
studies and television documentaries have kindled an ever increasing interest
in cultural tourism, fanned even more by tour companies and state governments
that see new economic opportunities in their backyards. Celebrities contribute
their mite by bringing new places to the attention of the world either by
adopting kids or touring these remote lands. Cultural tourism has surely
arrived, even grown by leaps and bounds. How does this affect the tribes themselves,
if at all?
In the northwest region of Namibia,
live the tribe of Himba. They inhabit the wilderness of Kaokoland and have done
so since time immemorial. The Himba women adorn themselves with a great deal of
jewellery and elaborate braids, taking a lot of pride in their femininity. They
rub their bodies with a mixture of ochre, butter, and fragrant herbs to give
their skin a translucent perfection. The Himba lived off the fruit of the land
in isolation till the tourist descended on their idyllic hideaway. With the
best intentions in the world, they introduced candies to the children and
liquor to the men, besides a whole lot of processed food all around. Now Western
modernisation has swept the Himba young into its fold, while only the old
timers cling to their traditions.
The San, or the Bushmen, are another tribe
that have lived in Namibia for at least 30,000 years. They can now be visited as one of the
highlights of a safari in the Etosha National Park.
The Owambo people, who live in thatched dwellings in a fenced kraal with a
sacred fire in the centre, are another attraction.
In the heartland of Australia
live the majority of aboriginal tribes such as the Arunta, Arrarnta, Yolgnu,
and Aranda, who have persisted in the rhythm of their pre-historic cultures to
this day. Marked by a considerable amount of ceremonies, rituals, songs, and
dances, their culture has survived intact in certain areas where outsiders are
forbidden to watch them. However, European colonisation has robbed other tribes
of their identities and totally destroyed at least some of their tribal
sanctity.
The central and north-eastern states of India
have a wealth of ancient tribal cultures that continue survive as their people
live more or less the same lives led by their ancestors. There are strongholds
of ancient cultures thriving in the remote interiors that are untouched by
modernity. The government has taken steps to preserve these as national treasures,
and so you have areas like Jharkhand and Chattisgarh where about 70% of the
population belong to various tribes. There are a number of organized tours that
take tourists there. You can interact with the local tribes and take part in
their ceremonies at select opportunities. These tribes are quite willing to
share their lives with outsiders but think twice before adopting foreign
cultures, which helps preserve their cultural integrity.
Tourism that takes you to the backyards of
other people, whether it’s an Amish village, Native American Indian sites in North America, or the aboriginals
of Australia, is best done with the same respect and responsibility we would
show when we lean over the fence for a friendly chat or enter a neighbour’s
kitchen for a cup of tea. We most certainly would not pluck her prize roses,
walk all over her vegetable patch, or leave with her pet goldfish. Responsible
travel is merely taking these good manners with us when we visit another
community and remembering our common humanity while striving for understanding of
a culture so different from our own.
Tribal people have customs, rituals, sacred
places , and holy days that we may have no idea about. Even the local people who
do not belong to the tribes might be quite vague about details. The governments
may not publicize these issues for fear of driving away tourist dollars. Tour
operators just do their jobs. So it is pretty much up to us as responsible
travellers to ensure we take into account these factors and aim to tread
lightly on our planet with respect and understanding.
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Tags: africa americas, cultural tourism, enormous satisfaction, ethical behaviour, genuine interest, good sense, intricacies, invaluable treasures, jungles, mindset, overwhelming need, repositories, respite from, responsible tourism, responsible travel, savages, sheer curiosity, tribal tourism, tribes of the world, yeti
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