Where is the Bunong from? Bunong Folklore

According to legend, Bunong was born from a mountain named Namlear, which was once located in the heart of the Bunong region. However, this peak is now located towards the east, near the Vietnamese border. 

According to folklore, 50 men and women, accompanied by some animals, moved in a flock to the outside of Namlear's cave many years ago. Only about 50 of them were able to escape the cave while moving together, as the other 50 were trapped in the midst by a two-headed buffalo (back and front head). Bunong was the name given to the 50 survivors.

Photo by CIPO

The Bunong is a person that represents mankind on Earth. The survivors were devastated by the loss of so many of their loved ones. They continued to live on this planet, though, by gathering wild fruits, vegetables, and rice that grew organically on the mountain. They began using seeds to grow rice, vegetables, and fruit trees in their fields at that period, and they chopped their fields with bones and stones. 

One pineapple tree and a large chilly tree (the size of a cashew tree) have survived to this day. They gradually grew in number and spread out to other parts of the eastern and western seas. While all were content with their comfortable lives, there was one man who desired to return to his homeland. As a result, he attempted to dig into the mountain. 

He took a short break due to tiredness from digging for several days. He was dreaming about an ancient spirit asking him why he was digging while he was sleeping. He replied that he wanted to return to his homeland because he had found life out there to be quite challenging.


Photo by CIPO


Following that, the Bunong were able to make a livelihood by rotational farming, the collection of non-timber forest products, and traditional hunting. These communities had preserved their natural resources, livelihoods, and even identities, thanks to their strong leadership and adherence to customary laws, which resulted in strong unity. For indigenous peoples, the forest is a way of life. They love the forest, which protects them in return.

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