Bajau Tribe

Bajau Tribe Latest News

Research has revealed that the Bajau’s spleens are, on an average, 50% larger than those of the general population, a natural adaptation that allows them to live longer and deep diver.

About Bajau Tribe

• The Bajau, also called the Sea Gypsies or Sea Nomads, come from the Sulu Islands region in the Southern Philippines. 
• And because of their nomadic sea life, this tribe eventually spread into the waters of Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. 
• The Bajau are renowned for their extraordinary free-diving abilities. 
  • Without using modern diving gear, they can dive to depths of 20–30 metres and hold their breath for five to 13 minutes. 
  • Bajau have spleens that are, on average, 50% larger than those of ordinary people, a natural adaptation that enables them to dive deeper and longer. 
  • Scientists have traced this adaptation to a variation in the PDE10A gene.
• People of the Bajau Tribe live in wooden pole houses and houseboats called Lepa-Lepa. Their activities are mostly carried out on the boat.
• Following seasonal changes, they move between islands, entirely dependent on the sea for food, income, and daily needs.
• Fishing remains central to their lifestyle and is a strong reflection of their cultural heritage. Communal fishing activities help preserve traditional practices and strengthen social bonds.
• They occasionally go ashore only to sell their catch to buy secondary needs that they cannot make themselves.

Source: TOI

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