When our lives are so deeply entwined with animals and plants, they inevitably become a great source of inspiration. Perhaps the most spectacular case of culture imitating nature is found amongst the people of Papua New Guinea.
Deep in the forest, a male superb bird of paradise struts his stuff for a rather drab females, but she isn’t the only one watching. Geling is a bird of paradise hunter, and it’s highly prized feathers he’s after.
These coverted plumes are passed down through generations but occasionally damaged ones need replacing. Birds of paradise are so hard to hunt,However, that Geling’s enlisted help. Peke is after the long tail feathers of the Princess Astrapia, and he’s using fruit to lure them in. Tomorrow is a big day for Geling. His clan will be performing at a Sing Sing, Where his reputation and the honour of his village will be juded on the quality os his feather collection. Sing Sing events are all about competing to see who’s the best dressed, and Geling knows not a plume can be out of place.
In both birds and humans, iT’s the most eye-catching who gets the most attention, though Geling might be overstating his conquests. At Sing Sing I get 6 or 7 women after me. The Mount Hagen Sing Sing is the world’s largest jungle-themed fancy-dress party. Attended by hundreds of tribes, it’s one of New Guinea’s biggest national events Amidst the mayhem, Geling’s putting the finishing touches to his outfit.
In New Guinea, male vanity is something to flaunt. Though each clanhas its own style almost all wear bird of paradise feathers as their crowning glory. In their looks, and even their courtship dances, the parallels between man and animal are unmistakable. They’re birds of a feather. Both use these precious plumes to display fitness and beauty. Taking centre stage, it’s Geling’s turn to show off.
This deep connection with birds of paradise began 40,000 years ago and it shows few signs of fading. Geling’s getting on a bit, and his female admirers aren’t quite as plentiful as they used to be but he’s not going to let that ruffle his feathers.
The diverse nature of the rainforest influences the people who live here in endless ways and it often leads to breathtaking results. For the Bayaka tribe of Africa’s Congo basin, it’s the sounds of the jungle that most inspire them. Whether using a river as a drum kit or incorporating animal calls into their work songs the Bayaka consider music to be their greatest gift from the forest. But there’s something elese found here that the Bayaka prize just as highly. So highly they’re prepared to risk their lives for it. Tete and Mongonje are on the hunt, but it’s not meat they’re after.
Huney is liquid gold to the Bayaka, and they go to extraordinary lengths to gather it. Using a special vine, Tete makes a hardness to help him get to grips with this 40-metre tree. Climbing like this requires skill, strength and stamina, especially in the tropical heat. While Tete climbs, Mononje prepares a bundle of smoking leaves to help pacify the bees. An hour’s passed and Tete’s making impressive progress. But he’s still got a way to go. News that honey’s been found has spread quickly, and Tete’s wife and kids come to watch. Tete’s finally made it to the crown of the tree but to go any further he’ll have to leave the security of his vine. Tete’s fully aware how dangerous honey gathering is, but the Bayaka believe it’s bravery that makes the man, and sugar is so scare in these forests that honey is the best nutrition Tete can provide for his family.