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.
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.
