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How did the Andamanese hunt and fish?

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Cinque Islands, Andaman and Nicobar Islands — Andaman and Nicobar Islands Andaman redwood trees in the Cinque Islands, south of Rutland Island, in the southern Andamans, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

The traditional hunting and fishing practices of the Andamanese people are characterized by their reliance on simple, indigenous tools and their deep connection to the forest and sea environments.12

Hunting

The bow and arrow served as the primary indigenous weapon for hunting wild pigs. These groups, such as the Jarawa and Onge, are traditionally hunter-gatherers who depend on the forest for sustenance, including wild boar and monitor lizards. Historically, the Andamanese did not use traps.12

Fishing

Fishing methods vary by gender and equipment:
* Tools: The Andamanese traditionally used bows for fishing, as they did not employ fishhooks.1
* Nets and Harpoons: Nets and harpoons are used to catch fish, turtles, and dugongs. Harpoons are typically deployed from single-outrigger canoes.1
* Shallow Water Fishing: Among the Jarawa, women fish in shallow waters using nets that are stitched together with bamboo needles.2

These traditional practices reflect a sustainable, direct reliance on the natural resources of the islands.12