Bamileke Wood Harp Cameroon

The Bamileke, the largest ethnic group in Cameroon, inhabit the Western High Plateau, maintaining a patrilineal society with descent traced through males. They migrated from the Tikar region due to Fulani pressures in the 17th century. Their Grassfields language, part of the Niger-Congo family, reflects their cultural roots. Primarily agricultural, they practice polygyny and have a dispersed settlement pattern, with houses featuring conical thatched roofs. Embracing a cash economy, they've contributed to Cameroon's economic development through trade, crafts, and various professions. With a population estimated at 2,120,000 in the late 20th century, they have integrated elements of ancestor worship, traditional healing, and divination alongside Islam and Christianity. The Bamileke's rich cultural heritage has significantly shaped Cameroon's social, economic, and religious landscapes.

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