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Veddhas (Wanniyala-Aetto or Forest People), Sri Lanka
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Veddhas (Wanniyala-Aetto or Forest People), Sri Lanka
Survival International say that as of February 2010, there are less than 2000 surviving members of this Tribe - the Veddhas (also known as Wanniyala-Aetto or Forest People) - a Sri Lankan aboriginal group in direct descent from the Islands neolithic community dating from 16, 000 BC or earlier. Here shown practising with long bows. Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 18073691
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
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This evocative photograph captures a group of Veddha men, also known as Wanniyala-Aetto or Forest People, practicing with their longbows in Sri Lanka during the 1910s. The Veddhas are an indigenous community in Sri Lanka, believed to be the descendants of the island's neolithic population dating back to 16,000 BC or earlier. The Veddhas have long been marginalized and faced discrimination, leading to a significant decline in their population. As of February 2010, Survival International estimated that there were fewer than 2,000 surviving members of this ancient tribe. In this image, the Veddha men are seen focusing intently as they prepare to fire their longbows. The longbows, made from local materials, were a vital tool for hunting and self-defense for the Veddha community. The arrows, tipped with poison, were used to bring down game such as monkeys, deer, and wild boar. Despite their rich cultural heritage and historical significance, the Veddha people continue to face numerous challenges, including discrimination, poverty, and loss of their ancestral lands. Efforts are being made to support and empower the Veddha community, including initiatives to promote their traditional knowledge and skills, improve access to education and healthcare, and secure their land rights. This photograph serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the cultural diversity and traditional ways of life of indigenous communities like the Veddhas, who have contributed significantly to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka.
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