Stereotype of hunter-gatherers being "far removed" from western world "just isn't the case", says archaeologist

The Doc Photo exhibition is at the Documentary Media Centre, Highcross until November 30 2014 as part of the Documentary Media Month.

© University of Leicester

© University of Leicester

© University of Leicester

© University of Leicester

© University of Leicester

Hunter-gatherers in one of the remotest parts of Asia watch Premier League football through satellite television and use Facebook to keep up with their friends across the world, according to an archaeologist who went to Borneo as part of a new documentary exhibition.Dr Huw Bartoon, an expert on ancient history, returned from his time in the Penan community with photos and footage for a multimedia show revealing the surprising realities of life in the village of Long Beruang, on Asia’s largest island.“I was quite impressed to see such widespread access to technology such as the Internet and satellite television in the village,” says Dr Barton.“There were rooms full of computers with kids on Facebook linking up to people all over the world.“It’s amazing to witness the impact technology is making to their lives. Using locally made satellite dishes, they are able to pick up satellite channels and even watch British football."Dr Barton says these remote communities are often perceived as being "isolated" and "disconnected.""But the power of technology is providing them with links across the globe," he says.“I’m really excited to be able to tell everyone what we learnt about the Penan community with this exhibition which will hopefully paint a much more balanced and informed picture of hunter-gatherers today."They are often stereotyped as having lifestyles that are simple and far removed from our experiences, but this shows that just isn’t the case.”Accompanied by photographer Rory Carnegie, Dr Barton travelled to Borneo in 2012 as part of a British Academy-funded exploration of how the Penans view the world.