Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's hard to pigeonhole more than 280 distinct ethnolinguistic groups divided by colonial
languages, Christianity and Islam and an urban-rural split into one identity. The
Cameroonian psyche is, ultimately, anything and everything African - diversity is the key.
There's a distinct cultural and political gap between the Francophone and Anglophone
parts of Cameroon, albeit one felt predominantly by the Anglophone minority, who com-
plain of discrimination in education (most universities lecture in French only) and in the
workplace.
A few characteristics do seem shared across Cameroon's divides. Traditional social
structures dominate life. Local chiefs (known as
fon
in the west or
lamido
in the north)
wield considerable influence, and when travelling in places that don't receive many tour-
ists, it's polite to announce your presence.
Many Cameroonians demonstrate a half-laconic, half-angry sense of frustration with
the way their country is run. Many are aware that while Cameroon is doing well compared
with its neighbours, it could be immeasurably better off if corruption didn't curtail so
much potential. Mixed in with this frustration is a resignation ('such is life'), expressed as
serenity in good times, but simmering rage in bad times.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Chinese immigrants in great numbers - especially visible in
Yaoundé and Douala - is bringing an even richer dash of multiculturalism to this already
incredibly multiethnic society.
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Arts & Crafts
Cameroon has produced a few of the region's most celebrated artists: in literature, Mongo
Beti deals with the legacies of colonialism; musically, Manu Dibango is the country's
brightest star.
Woodcarving makes up a significant proportion of traditional arts and crafts. The north-
western highlands are known for their carved masks. These are often representations of
animals, and it's believed that the wearers of the masks can transform themselves and take
on the animal's characteristics and powers. Cameroon also has some highly detailed
bronze- and brasswork, particularly in Tikar areas north and east of Foumban. The areas
around Bali and Bamessing (both near Bamenda), and Foumban, are rich in high-quality
clay, and some of Cameroon's finest ceramic work originates here.
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