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YAOUNDE, CAMEROON - RECENT, MAY 2025: In parts of Africa, Pygmy communities are preserving ancient traditions by using handcrafted flutes not only for entertainment, but also as tools for communication and healing rituals -- reflecting a way of life deeply rooted in harmony with nature. Footage shows Baka people, members of the Pygmy communities, inhabiting the Central African rainforests. Their lifestyle is deeply connected to and guided by a close relationship with the natural environment. Handcrafted flutes also symbolize a bond with the nature. Made from bamboo or reed, these flutes, bound with natural fibers, are more than musical instruments—they’re tools for communication, healing, and spiritual connection. Baka flutist Abadona Adibime told Anadolu that the flute serves as a kind of "phone" in the forest, using distinct melodic patterns unique to each clan to communicate across the jungle. During ceremonies honoring the forest spirit Djengo or in healing rituals, the flute's tone changes to support spiritual and physical recovery. In Pygmy culture, playing the flute is regarded as a respected and mindful act, requiring careful attention. It is customary to seek permission before playing the flute, particularly in places outside the community, such as urban areas.(Footage by Ahmet Emin Dönmez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)