Cameroonian Culture Essay

454 Words2 Pages
Cameroon is home to a diverse number of people. The official languages of Cameroon are French and English, however there are over 200 native dialects spoken in Cameroon. The major ethnic groups in eastern Cameroon are the Fulani and Kirdi in the north and the Bamiléké, Bulu, Bamoun, Ewondo, Beti, Bassa, and Douala in the south. Western Cameroonian peoples are divided between the coastal groups—which include the Bakweri and Douala—and the grasslands population of the Tikar and related groups. Approximately 40% of all Cameroonians, particularly the Kirdi people, continue traditional African religious beliefs and practices. Christians (Roman Catholics in the south and east and Protestants in the west) comprise some 40% of the population. About 20% are Muslims, primarily the Fulani and other groups in the north. In this article, we decided to focus on two groups of people, the Bamileke and the Duala. The Bamileke are renowned for their skilled craftsmen. Their artwork was highly praised by early European that came to Africa. Bamileke are particularly celebrated carvers in wood, ivory, and horn. However since the independence of Cameroon, many traditional arts and crafts have been abandoned. A reputation as shrewd businessmen is today replacing the Bamileke's esteem as craftsmen. The Bamileke have eagerly and adeptly adopted the European-introduced cash-based economy, making the Bamileke some of Cameroon's most prominent entrepreneurs. Many Bamileke thus find employment as not only artisans, but also as traders, business owners, and skilled professionals. They play an important role in the economic development of Cameroon. On the other hand, the Bamileke's famous business sense has served to alienate them among many of Cameroon's other ethnic groups. In the eyes of many Cameroonians, Bamileke businessmen are ruthless and avaricious. In many areas being called a
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