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Have you ever imagined diving underwater for 15 minutes without an oxygen tank? Of course, it's almost impossible. The Bajau people, also known as the Baha Gypsies and sea nomads of the Indonesian coast of Southeast Asia, specifically the Sul Archipelago, have the ability to dive underwater for a full 15 minutes.
How do the Bajau live?
The life of the Bajau is full of challenges. Their homes are built on the surface of the water, which constantly exposes them to danger due to the fluctuations of the sea waves, marine pollution, and harsh environmental conditions. Their life depends on the sea.
The Bajau are considered the world's best divers, having been diving since childhood, searching for sea cucumbers and pearls, or spearfishing.
They have exceptional vision, due to being underwater for long periods, but they suffer damage to their ear layers at an early age, while sea gypsies give birth in floating huts, refusing to move to land.
Bajau lifestyles
Maritime communities provide small schools for children to learn some basics, such as seafaring crafts, fishing skills, and other crafts that help in living at sea.
While hospitals are located in some places near them, or they rely on ambulance boats that provide health care to the residents of the maritime communities.
Bajau people's customs
The Bajau people have unique traditions and customs. They hold special sea celebrations to express their gratitude to the sea for providing them with sustenance and life, and to celebrate the beginning of the fishing season by practicing sea crafts to create artistic and handicraft products.
The customs and traditions of maritime communities reflect the depth of their relationship with the sea. These bonds are evident between them and their marine environment, and their traditions constitute an important part of the rich cultural heritage of these unique societies.
Burial at the Bajau
There are different ways for the Bajau people to bury the dead, due to their aquatic nature. Some of them put the body in a boat and release it into the sea.
While others bury their dead on land, where houses are available, and place the body in the grave in the presence of community members.
Bajau people
The sea is the primary home for the Bajau people. One of the most famous is Oda, who loves diving with fish to catch them. Before diving, he takes a deep breath and dives for 5 minutes at a depth of 20 meters to fish, walking on the rocks and coral reefs.
He relies on complete calm to reach that depth, using muscles in his body that give him a dose of oxygen, to control the air emitted from the lungs, but (Awda) is not the only one capable of doing that despite his old age.
There is also Grandfather Tadi, who is over 80 years old. Despite his age, he is still able to dive and spearfish. He has many skills that he acquired from a young age, which have become an integral part of his life, and he practices them daily without tiring.
The Bajau people's lives are full of secrets, which makes them a source of admiration and interest for many researchers and explorers. Their rich marine world and unique heritage constitute a strong attraction for many who seek to explore their secrets and understand their mysterious lives.
Despite environmental challenges and declining numbers, the Bajau people remain true to their unique heritage and culture. Behind every corner of their lives is a fascinating history and fascinating story, which they continue to preserve with pride.
The Bajau people, a mysterious civilization that still lives deep in the seas and holds secrets yet to be revealed. If you are serious about exploring their depths and understanding their lives, prepare for an unforgettable adventure and a magical world awaiting you, where you will discover many things that no one has seen before.