Isolated Tribes: The Uncontacted Peoples Of The World That You Probably Don’t Know About

Hidden in the deepest and darkest pockets of the Earth exists a population of people who continue to remain isolated, refraining from contact with the outside world. They resist modernity and change while still embracing and staying true to their older way of life. Scattered around the world, most of these tribes live in South America’s dense Amazon region, or Africa.

As direct descendants of Africa’s earliest humans, the Sentinelese are the remnants of a 60,000-year-old tribe. Residing on North Sentinel Island in Bengal Bay, they are also considered to be the most isolated people on the planet.

Belonging to the Andamanese Islands, North Sentinel is also home to the Jarawa, another ancient tribe. They have resided on the island for 55,000 years. Unfortunately, they haven’t been as successful in remaining untouched by modernity as their Sentinelese neighbors ( some small groups of the 400 remaining nomadic tribes have resisted contact).

The Awa has become among the most vulnerable uncontacted tribes in the world due to illegal logging, deforestation, and other outside interference. Straddling the Peru and Brazil border, the Amazon rainforest has been home to the Awa for millennia. However, only about 60 to 80 of the estimated 600 left continue to fulfill their nomadic, uncontacted existences.

In the deepest depths of southern Mexico and northern Guatemala lies the Lacandon people of the Lacandon Rainforest. Some of their members still live uncontacted and isolated in the vastness of the forest.

Originally contacted by the Spanish in the mid-16th century, the Yuqui of Bolivia were then subsequently isolated from modern society for over 400 years until the 1960s. At the time, they were thought to belong to Siriono, a much bigger group. But, the Yuqui’s unique language, also known as Yuqui, made them want to become a separate tribe.

Given to a group of indigenous people, Wajãpi is the name of the members who speak the Tupi language. Although, the Wajãpi in French Guiana has a slightly different dialectic language. The members of this tribe dwell in a geographical area that straddles the border between Brazil and French Guiana and are scattered among smaller groups known as “kin.”

The Paraguayan Chaco region boasts some of the most pristine and stunning wilderness and has been the precious home of the Ayoreo people. Steadily, it’s been suffering at the hands of deforestation at the fastest rate on Earth.

As a clear offshoot of the Ayoreo, the Totobiegosode (meaning “people from the place of the wild pigs”) people are even more removed from modern society. Primarily, the remaining survivors are constantly escaping from bulldozers and aggressive cattle ranchers.

In the southern part of the Philippines’ Palawan Island resides around 40,000 indigenous people. Due to devastating mining encroachment and the thousands of settlers that the industry has brought in, some Palawan Island tribes are primarily uncontacted because of how deep they live on the island.

Cristóbal von Rothkirch of the Colombian National Parks Unit and Amazon Conservation Team took important photographs in 2012. These photographs proved uncontacted people’s existence that lives in the secluded rainforest located on the border of Colombia and Brazil. For the past 400 years, the Carabayo people have endured violent attacks from slave traders and rubber extractors.

Even by the standards of uncontacted Amazonian tribes, these Ecuadorian people called the Taromenane, live in a desolate portion of the jungle. This isolation means there are no abundant rivers that could make fishing, hunting, and gathering convenient.

In the dense jungles of Ecuadorian Amazonia, it’s believed that around 200 uncontacted people still exist. While some are Taromenane, the others are from a rival tribe – one which the Taromenane continually engages in (at times) violent conflicts to this day. They are called the Huaorani.

Reports surfaced in 2016 that Bolivia’s national oil company purposefully concealed evidence that its prospectors had come in contact with previously uncontacted people near the Peruvian border. The people of the Tacana (sometimes called Toromonas) tribe were who they likely encountered.

This remote and isolated tribe, known to their settled indigenous neighbors as Piripkura, or “butterfly people,” have made their existence known to anthropologists. They were given the name “butterfly people” because of their frequent flight through the forest.

In the Acre state of Brazil exist ferociously independent uncontacted groups who exhibit hostility toward outsiders. Some have even been observed shooting arrows at intruders and airplanes passing by. It’s likely that this unbridled hostility is a direct result of their lineage.

The Nukak are one of the 32 Colombian tribes that are at risk of becoming perilously endangered and on the near brink of extinction. In 1988, the Nukak miraculously emerged from almost becoming isolated, when about 40 of them were at the center of a media sensation. They arrived at a remote colonist town near their lands, but half of the whole tribe died of measles soon after.

One of the most remote and inaccessible locations on Earth is in the western half of the island of New Guinea known as West Papua, which is governed by ethnically separate Indonesia. In West Papua exists more than 300 diverse tribes, a tiny number of which are likely uncontacted.

Explorer Benedict Allen disappeared for almost a month in 2017 before re-emerging from the East Sepik jungle region of the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, one of the most desolate regions on the planet. This isolated region occupies the eastern half of New Guinea’s island.

Among the most endangered indigenous tribes in the Brazilian rainforest are the Kawahiva who live near the city of Colniza in Mato Grosso, close to the Rio Pardo. Their numbers were last reported to be around 50 by the government’s indigenous affairs agency.

One of the seven uncontacted tribes residing in the Javari valley on the border of Brazil and Peru is the Korubo. There are also seven contacted tribes, making the region one of the highest concentrated regions of isolated people on the continent. They are known for carrying large war-fighting clubs and are also called “clubber Indians.”

In the Massacó Territory in the Brazilian State of Rondônia, it’s estimated that 300 uncontacted indigenous people still live there. Tortoises are believed to be a prominent part of their diet since explorers have stumbled upon mounds of empty tortoise shells.

The estimated 600-800 Mascho-Piro tribespeople of Peru have had some contact with settled indigenous people in the Amazon region for the past 40 years. Still, they have had pretty much no exposure to outsiders.

Seven sick and desperate members of an unknown and uncontacted Peruvian tribe made contact in June 2014 with a group of settled indigenous people in Brazil’s Acre region, close to the border of both countries. In that same summer, a larger number of about two dozen people from the same tribe emerged. They reported being attacked by unknown invaders.

The Yanomami tribe is the biggest group of the 35,000-strong relatively isolated people that remain in South America. For thousands of years, they have called the lush rainforests of Brazil and Venezuela their home. But, just like all isolated people, they are also prisoners of encroachment and deforestation.

Experts believe that the Cacataibo tribe is one of the 15 uncontacted groups that exist in Peru. They primarily reside in the Peruvian departments of Ucayali and Huanuco, near the basins of Aguaytia, San Alejandro, and Sungaraku rivers.

Not a whole lot of information is known about the Matsigenka people of southeastern Peru, except that they live virtually uncontacted in the same area as the Cacataibo tribe. However, it is known that they have roamed to a small and remote enclave within their protected area.

Unseen by outsiders until the 1950s, the patch of protected rainforest which remains an untouched jungle is where the Isconahua people live. The Isconahua, part of the Amazon people cluster, migrate seasonally in search of resources.

The last four surviving members of the Akunstu tribe live in the state of Rondônia in Western Brazil. The Akuntsu merely exist by catching the little game that exists in the tiny patch of rainforest they reside on. This small part of rainforest is the last scrap of what used to be a thriving jungle that was destroyed to make room for cattle ranches.

Last but not least, the most endangered and uncontacted tribe in the world is the one that belongs to the “Man of the Hole.” He is the single survivor of a massacre which made him the last member of an Amazonian rainforest tribe and is one that anthropologists don’t know much about.

The Karen tribal group are refugee women from Burma who now live in Northern Thailand’s mountains. They are known for having brass rings around their necks, which push down the collarbone and ribs. This gives the woman the illusory appearance of having a long neck. 

Spotted in the dry, sandy region, the females of the Turkana tribe primarily live in Northwestern Kenya, but some of them reside living in nearby countries. The women of this tribe are nomadic and are primarily known for their basket weaving, fishing, and the annual Turkana festival. This important festival consists of men and women dressed in traditional clothing who perform cultural dances. 

Arriving between 100 and 600 A.D., Polynesians were among the first indigenous Marquesan people. The Marquesan islanders are believed to be the most prominent craftsmen in French Polynesia and are influenced by the culture of Tahiti and France. 

The Fulani people (also known as Fulbe) live scattered throughout West Africa and are primarily Muslim. They are dispersed nomadic herders and stay separate from the local populations. 

The Kalash people are the smallest of Pakistan’s minority ethnic groups, consisting of about 4,000. The tribe can be located in the three Kalash valleys of Pakistan: Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir. 

For about 4,000 years, the Inupiat people of Alaska have existed. They have had to gain a deep and fundamental understanding of their resources and develop a connective culture that consists of sharing and working together. Bowhead whale hunting is one of the essential components of their shared culture. 

This West African indigenous tribe has roots in strong religious traditions. After a member passes on, they are buried immediately, and then a dance is performed where members are seen with wood and fibers from hibiscus plant masks.

In the Huangluo Village of South China lives the Yao ethnic group who have very distinct characteristics and traditions. One of the most notable traditions is for women to keep their extremely long hair, which is almost two meters long. It’s a tradition that is continually passed down from generation to generation.

With only 44 tribal families left, the Tsaatan tribe exists deep in the Mongolian rainforests. Straddling the border between Russia and Siberia, they are concealed in an isolated corner of Northern Mongolia. Tsaatan translates to “people with reindeer” because their lives depend on their family’s herd of reindeer. They rely on them for food (which is quite rare), milk, and transportation. 

In the Guizhou Province of Southwest China are the Long Horn Miao tribe, a branch of the Miao ethnic group. One of the most important and unique aspects of their tradition are the costumes which express their traits, culture, and emotion. 

In the remote region of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is where the Mursi tribe are located. They are known for the powerful stick fighting between men, and then the women whose primary feature is the wooden lip plates inserted into their lips. 

Also known as the Holosa, the “Mudmen” of the Asaro tribe are recognized by their distinct mud masks filled with pigs’ teeth, painted white skin, and long bamboo fingers. There’s a legend that the men had to flee and hide in the river from their oppressors. By adorning themselves in clay, they were able to blend into their surroundings. 

The Kayapo tribe live south of the Amazon River in Brazil and also refer to themselves as “Mebengokre” which translates to “people of the wellspring.” They have a strong and spiritual connection to nature, as they own acres of grassland and tropical rainforests. However, they are at risk of deforestation and it remains a struggle to protect them – their main goal. 

With a population of approximately 50,000, the ancient Himba tribe is an indigenous group located in northern Namibia. Their people are tall and slender and wear unique hairstyles (the women have red matted braids made from goat hair and mud), as well as traditional jewelry.

As one of the oldest warrior cultures in all of history, the Maasai warriors of Kenya are known for much more than being incredible warriors. They are also known for raising cattle, which is their primary source of nutrition. Also, their very long limbs make them known as some of the tallest people in Africa.

From food to culture to customs, New Zealand’s Maori tribe plays a pivotal and important role in the New Zealand way of life. One of the biggest elements of the Maori is their tattoos (also called “Ta Moko”) which are symbols of respect and loyalty to their culture. Each tattoo is unique, as well.

Also known as “Buddha Warriors,” the Khampa warriors hail from Kham province in Eastern Tibet. The traits they are primarily associated with are immense bravery, independence, and horsemanship. In fact, they come from the toughest tribe in the whole of Tibet and specifically dedicate their lives to the precious land.

Made up of around 15,000 people, the indigenous people of the Chukchi peninsula are reindeer hunters by tradition. They refer to themselves as “Lygoravetlat,” which translates to “genuine people.”

Extremely hardworking and reliant on agricultural means, the Ladakh people are known to live the most honest and nomadic lifestyle. Barley, wheat, and beans are their primary sources of agriculture.

The ancient and vanishing kingdom of Mustang in Northern Nepal borders the China and Tibetan plateau. It’s also centered between some of the world’s most highest neighboring mountains.

In western India reside the indigenous Rabari people who lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Some of its people raise cattle and others are located in villages nearby. Their lifestyle is unique in that it’s matriarchal-leaning, meaning that the women are in charge of most of the daily affairs while the men are responsible for the cattle.

Leading simple lives, the Gauchos of Argentina are men that are skilled horseman and hunters. Their foundations go all the way back to the War of Independence, and, post-war, they migrated to the Pampas. While they were there, hunting and living off the land became essential to their daily wellbeing.

Many people have not heard of the Ainu people, an indigenous group of Japan whose origin is unknown. Even Japanese people aren’t aware of this ethnic group. It was only recently in 2008 that the Japanese government recognized them as an official indigenous group.

In Northern India exists the awe-inspiring Rajasthani tribe. The women are remarkable, traveling many miles and, sometimes multiple trips in one day, to gather water for themselves and their animals. They can travel up to 10 miles and carry the water-filled jugs on their heads.

The Akha Hill tribespeople live in the villages of Thailand’s beautiful mountains. Respecting all humans and Mother Nature’s naturally abundant resources is known as “The Akha Way.”

Despite their periodic relocations throughout the years, the Hmong ethnic group living in China and Southeast Asia have retained their authentic cultural identity. Poems, songs, and ancestral stories comprise their expressive oral language.

As a semi-nomadic group, the friendly Samburu live in Northern Kenya and continually uphold the traditions and customs of their people. They reside in groups of five to ten families; the men look over the cattle, while the women gather vegetables and take care of the children.

The indigenous Quechua people live in Peru and descended from the Inca Empire. They are they are mainly identified with their vibrant, high-quality textiles. Using the wool of llamas, alpacas, and sheep, they spin and dye it with splashes of bright colors.

Residing in about 100 villages with about 8,000 people, the fascinating Dongria Kondh live in the dense forests of Eastern India’s Niyamgiri hills. As settle rural people, they farm the hills that surround them and harvest the crops. They also worship Niyam Raja, the mountain god.

Living in the forests of Kenya exist the hunter-gatherer community of the Sengwer who are facing eviction from their homeland. The Cherangany Hills gives the Sengwer tribe their unique culture and identity, and are certainly not the first indigenous people under the threat of violence and extinction.