Western Cameroon Land of Folklore
The western region, which has sometimes been compared to Auvergne (France), reminds one of Europe because of its undulating land- scape, and especially temperate climate.
The major attraction in the west is the folklore and handicrafts which are particularly sophisticated in Founban and Bamenda.
Taking the Ring Road from Bamenda it is possible to discover beautiful mountainous landscape going through Kumbo, Nkamba and Wum, a distance of 367km.
From Bafoussam, the capital of the region, you may head for:
- Foumban, seat of the Bamoum Sultanat where we strongly recommend a visit to the Yeyap historical museum and the "Artisan village".
- The Dschang health resort, 1,500m above sea- level, ideal for rest.
- Bafang is in the transitional zone between the littoral and the West.
The Bamoums and the Bamilekes of the high grasslands plateau are well known for their artistic works. Some kind of social organization and existentialist philosophy emerges from works of art, ranging from the famous Bamileke Hut to the Bamoum statuettes and masks. All these objects are closely linked to the hierarchical political pyramid where chiefs and dignitaries of all ranks, craftsmen, servants, etc... contribute, each keeping his place, in stabilizing the society.
Among the Bamoums, the society is dominated by the sultan whereas the as the Bamilike society is split into several districts ruled by Fons.
Art and society
Bamoum art, least as can be seen from the works preserved in Foumban, has three main themes: power, war and animal nature. It thus portrays the three sacred symbols of power (sculptured thrones, leopards, pythons); symbols of class and caste (masks) war scenes, persons of rank and household utensils (since African art is essentially functional).
The main feature in Bamilike art is not so much plastic creation and themes, as the integration of wood sculpture into the architecture in the chiefdoms. As a matter of fact the "Bamilike hut", as it is popularly known, is massive and has six mud walls, each of which is paralletelogram, and is covered by a conical grass roof. It has a veranda and pillars and richly sculptured doors.
The people have been endowed with a very rich culture as refleted in their artistic heritage: seats covered with multi- coloured beads, large dance masks, wealth in the vivacious folkore and long- lived costoms