Indigenous nudity (Indigenous naturism) reflect the indigenous practice of social nudity by a people group that aligns with the definition of naturism held the International Naturist Federation
“Naturism is a way of living in harmony with Nature characterized by the practice of collective nudity, with the purpose of promoting self-esteem, respect for others and the environment.” 1International Naturist Federation
History
A historical review will show indigenous naturism predates modern naturism.
Anything from complete nakedness to casual body covering was a lifestyle component from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman civilizations and into part of the Middle Ages.” Aileen Goodson – Therapy, Nudity & Joy 2 Aileen Goodson’s Therapy, Nudity & Joy
Before the onslaught of western influences, indigenous cultures were deeply connected to the environment and nature. Many indigenous people traditionally wore no clothes, though by western standards they would be considered naked.
They are the Great Naked Peoples, on all continents: America (Amazonia, Fuegians), Africa (Nilotes, Pygmies, Boshimans, Karamajongs), Asia (Adaman, Jains, Nagas), Australia (Aruntas, Aborigines), Polynesia (Maoris) . These are peoples who live in a perfect natural insertion, saving their resources, without any waste in a real ecology, in harmony with their nature. 3Nudity and Naturism Marc Alain Descamps
Most also had some form body decoration or adornment, including decorations or jewelry or headdresses. Depictions of indigenous naturism in western colonial media saw non colonial bodies as exotic and considered indigenous nudity savage and uncivilized.
Colonial gaze
Most of these tribes of indigenous people do not go naked their entire lives due to regular contact with modern western world. In many, they only do so for certain festivals and otherwise they wear some western clothes. One of the biggest differences between modern naturism and nudism and indigenous nudity is the contrast in sexual attitudes towards nudity.4Vincent O’Malley The Sexual Frontier – Contrasting Māori and European Attitudes towards Sex and Nudity in the Colonial Era Modern naturism continues to carry the legacy of a colonialist view of nudity.
Despite the impact of colonialism indigenous nudity persisted until today.
Even today, a few “naked peoples” still exist , or for whom nudity is not a taboo: Mashco-Piro – Ayoreo – Carabayo – Korubo – Wayampi – Zo’é – Waorani – Yanomami (Americas); Malabri – Sentinel – Jarawa (Asia); New Guinean tribes in Oceania; People of traditional culture from the Omo Valley (Hamers, Mursis, Turkanas, Karos, Surmas, Nyangatom, Karo, etc.) – Nuba (Africa)… 5Naturism, what is it?
Indigenous nudity and cultural naturism has survived to modern day through indigenous people and tribes around the world, who by western standards go totally naked. 6 Are there any tribes or clans who spend their entire lives totally naked? The existence of some indigenous peoples who practice indigenous or cultural nudity, like the Awa Guaja, is being threatened. 7Inside The Uncontacted Awá-Guajá Tribe, Earth’s Most Threatened Indigenous Group
Australia
Aboriginal people of Australia functioned as a people with social nudity as their default. This changed when they were colonized. Then a people whose indigenous language didn’t even have a word for nakedness were forced to a abandon their practice of indigenous naturism. 8Naked Peoples: Rules and Regulations – Irene Watson
Africa
Social nudity was a regular aspect of tribal life in pre-colonial Africa.
- Hamer Ethiopia
- Nuba, South Sudan
- Koma, Nigeria
Nuba people from South Sudan. Their traditional attire includes many necklaces, anklets, bracelets and belts, but they otherwise used to go nude.
Oceania/Indonesia
Through Oceania, Indonesia and parts of South Asia various degrees ofsocial nudity was a normal aspect of everyday life. 9 Nudism culture in Indonesia
European colonizers caused me then women to abandon aspects of social nudity for respectability in the eyes of Europeans. Groups like the Korowai people of West Papua who avoided contact with the West maintained the practice of social nudity in everyday life.
Polynesia
Prior to the arrival of British and other European explorers everyday life among Polynesian people featured social nudity. The natives of the Hawaiian islands and other islands in Polynesia wore minimal or no clothing because like there African and Central American counterparts there was not need for it.
South America
Many of the indigenous peoples of South and Central America practiced social nudity. Some groups stil main twin the practice despite western influences.
Yanomamis are the largest known tribe still isolated from the outside western world.They live in communities of fifty people, shun clothes, and decorate their bodies with fruit dye and flowers. 10 Aileen Goodson’s Therapy, Nudity & Joy
The Huaorani people from the Amazon. They typically wear only a thin belt made of vegetable fibers. Men tuck their prepuce under the belt except for urination and sex. Women and children may not wear anything.
Zo’e
Photographic Examples of Indigenous
The images below illustrate cultural, anthropologic, and indigenous social nudity. There is no pornography here and such pictures are not pornographic.
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References
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