hunting

Hunting of the wild boar is the most common activity for the male Jarawas. It can be done singly or in groups. These groups track the pigs the entire morning. They surround the pig and shoot it down with arrows. After killing it the belly is cut open and the innards are removed and tender salai patti are stuffed inside it. The pig is then trussed up with cane and carried back to the settlement. As per their customs the hunters do not destroy the skull of the pig but preserve it. Once the meat has been removed the skulls are cleaned and the two halves of the skull are fastened together using cane. These skulls are then hung from the roofs of their huts. It is believed that they depict the skulls and heroism of their ancestors.

They also hunt birds like parrots, wild duck and dove for meat. They use a special arrow (tochau-thulab) to kill birds. The men also fish with a bow and arrow. These arrows are also different and are known as tochau thad (pointed wooden arrow) or tochau thom (needle like iron point).

HUNTING IN THE WATERS