Whether for aesthetic reasons or because of a cultural burden, blue eyes have been a source of astonishment and even a trait of beauty, so much so that this eye color has been the subject of various analyses and studies. Although most of the world’s population has brown eyes – in fact, initially everyone did – science has found that those who share blue eyes have a common ancestor. And this Indonesian tribe is no different.
The Origin of Blue Eyes
This common ancestor dates back between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago when a genetic mutation occurred, resulting in blue eyes that persist. However, in addition to genetics, some syndromes affect certain individuals and specific tribes. which have caused them to live with one or two blue eyes.
Such is the case of the inhabitants of the island of Buton, in Indonesia, where a tribe has stood out for its unusual eye color of a blue that can sometimes be described as almost electric. Although in the world there are countless tribes and indigenous peoples who have stood out for one condition or another genetic mutation, the residents of this island have done so not because they can submerge several meters into the water holding their breath, but because among Waardenburg syndrome is very common among them.
What Is Waardenburg Syndrome
Waardenburg syndrome is responsible for this tribe in Indonesia having such vibrant blue eyes… and that some of its members are even born with one blue and one brown color. It is a hereditary syndrome that affects 1 in every 42 thousand people. This is caused by a mutation in certain genes that, in addition to electric blue eyes, can also cause hearing problems, streaks of white hair, constipation, and, in the most serious cases, congenital deformations.
The Case of the Tribe of Buton Island, Indonesia
Those who carry this gene have a 50% probability of inheriting it from their descendants, which means that in a place like the island of Buton where the population reaches 447 thousand inhabitants and where the rate of consanguinity – that is, The more people share a common ancestor – the greater the presence of Waardenburg syndrome. This condition, beyond any scientific interest, has caught the attention of photographers like Korchnoi Pasaribu – who describes himself as a geologist – who, during his time in this region, noticed this unusual eye coloration on the island of Buton. However, according to Pasaribu, it was not until 2020 that he decided to return and photograph them.
Among the various photographs are some that beyond the visual impact of these people and their eye color, Pasaribu also included different elements to give a message related to ecology and environmental conservation. So it is possible to see photographs of these residents holding plants, and wearing breathing masks, among others.
Photos: ©Korchnoi Pasaribu. Taken from Instagram – @geo.rock888
This story was originally published in Spanish in Cultura Colectiva