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| 2077 A Bamileke dancer with an elephant mask |
Posted on28.11.2015, 16.04.2016
Dominant in Cameroon's West and Northwest Regions, the Bamileke are part of the Semi-Bantu (or Grassfields Bantu) ethnic group. Although are regrouped under several groups, each under the guidance of a chief or fon, they have the same ancestors and share the same history, culture, and languages (from the Bantoid branch of the Niger-Congo language family). They are very dynamic and have a great sense of entrepreneurship.
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| 2464 A Bamileke hut. |
The Bamileke, whose origins trace to Egypt, migrated to what is now northern Cameroon between the 11th and 14th centuries. In the 17th century they migrated further south and west to avoid being forced to convert to Islam, but also to resist enslavement. Today, a majority of peoples within this people cluster are Christians. Their settlements follow a well-organized and structured pattern. Houses of family members are often grouped together, often surrounded by small fields.
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