Trillocknath Pandit's 1967-1983 anthropological surveys reveal Sentinel settlement patterns and diet. Trillocknath Pandit made at least 9-10 trips to North Sentinel Island between 1967 and 1983 Observed at least 18 lean-to type huts all in use with fires lit Population estimate: 50-70 people based on nuclear family size of 3-4 per hut
Anthropologist Triloknath Pandit (T.N. Pandit) made 9–10 trips to North Sentinel Island (1967–1983), observing ~18 occupied huts and estimating 50–70 residents. Diet: turtles, honey, wild pigs and insects. One hut held a red ochre-painted pig skull — possible trophy hunting ritual! 🐗🏹
Key Facts
- Trillocknath Pandit made at least 9-10 trips to North Sentinel Island between 1967 and 1983
- Observed at least 18 lean-to type huts all in use with fires lit
- Population estimate: 50-70 people based on nuclear family size of 3-4 per hut
- Diet included turtles and eggs, honey, pandanus plant, wild pigs, and edible insects
- Tools included simple baskets, bows with long arrows doubling as spears, adzes, and harpoons
- Pig skull painted red with ochre found in one hut, suggesting trophy hunting practices
Related site: North Sentinel Island — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: What do we know about know about North Sentinel island by Stefan Milo