Re-Construction of Ndap-Nfuh Indigenous Structure, Cameroon

RE-CONSTRUCTION OF THE INDIGENOUSE SHELTERS (NDAP-NFUH) OF BIH VILLAGE - CAMEROON

By Blaise Ndamnsah, Philip Arets, & Ildo Morelli

Abstract

Bih is one of the ten villages that make up the Tang Clan in Nkambe Central sub-division of Donga Mantung division in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Bih has an estimated population of nine thousand inhabitants. It is ruled by a King called Ta Nfor Nkwi Bih. Bih is part of the Mbum indigenous people who make up an ethnic group that migrated from the Adamawa to the Nkambe plateau in the 17th century.

Considering the hostilities Mbum people also called Wimbum suffered from Islamic invasion and slave trade, the Nfuh society was constituted as a defense group of the Nkfu who the King is. It was made up of men only and their primary function was to protect the King, women and children, goods and also to ensure territorial integrity.

Bih had two Ndap Nfuh’s (Nfuh Houses) which were vibrant some centuries ago. Faced with multiple challenges as time went on, these societies are almost nonexistent. Due to multiple reasons such as religious invasion (Christianity and Islam), rural exodus, poverty these houses have been left in ruins exposing the King and his vulnerable population to all sort of attacks and misappropriation.

History and Background

The historical context provided above highlights the rich cultural heritage of Bih village and the challenges it faces today. Ta Nformi Ndamnsah Blaise's role is indeed significant, as he carries the responsibility of reviving the Nfuh culture at a critical time. Here's a summary of the key points and a background on the authors:

• Cultural Reawakening: The project aligns with a broader movement to revive Wimbum culture globally.

• Historical Peak: Traditional and cultural life in Bih village was at its peak from the first to the third dynasties around the 18th century.

• Impact of Religious Expansion: The spread of Christianity and Islam led to ideological conflicts that destabilized traditional social structures.

• Current State: Today, only ruins of the once-thriving social houses remain.

• Ta Nformi Ndamnsah Blaise: As the crown Nformi of Bih village, he has inherited the prestigious title but also the responsibility of reviving Nfuh life in Bih village.

• Philip Arets: Philip is an American citizen who leads a chapter of colleagues in educating themselves on global indigenous and colonial history with the goal of fostering indigenous resources and empowerment. This led to the personal connection and collaboration with Ta Nformi Ndamnsah, beginning with attending several Nfuh events in Europe.

He was present In December 2023 when King Shey Banabas Mbunwe III visited Belgium and launched the Nfuh Wimbum Europe’s Lodge within the framework of fostering cultural heritage and preservation among his people all over the globe.

In May 2024, Blaise & Philip visited Cameroon during which they held some meetings and exchanges with some mbum indigenous people in the capital city Yaoundé.

• Ildo Morelli: Ildo Morelli is an Italian citizen and former Cameroonian consul for the Province of Florence in Italy. He has received a Traditional dignitary title of Fo’o Mbouelah issued by HRH Guemegni Gaston the Paramount King of Baleveng-Dchange in the Western Region of Cameroon. This was because of his extensive contribution to the development of the Baleveng community in particular and Cameroon in general. Ta Nformi Ndamnsah and Fo’o Mbouelah Ildo Morelli have collaborated for many years within the framework of cooperation between Italy and Cameroon.

Taa Nformi Ndamnsah Blaise, Philip Arets and Ildo Morelli’s call to unite forces of goodwill to reconstruct the indigenous shelter Ndap Nfuh in Bih village is a crucial step towards preserving this heritage.

The objectives for the project are clear and impactful:

1. Rebuild and equip the indigenous Nfuh House of Bih: Restoring the fallen Nfuh house at the Bih palace will serve as a physical and symbolic restoration of cultural heritage.

2. Revamp Nfuh Life: Engaging the men of Bih to actively participate in Nfuh affairs will rejuvenate traditional practices and strengthen community bonds in and around Bih.

These goals will not only preserve the Nfuh culture but also foster unity, pride, and cultural education within the community.

What is a Nfuh house (Ndap Nfuh) in Mbum Culture?

The Ndap Nfuh is one of the models of indigenous shelters of the Wimbum people as T.R. Tanto captures in the abstract of his research work on “The indigenous settlement types among the Mbum of the Nkambe Plateau of Cameroon: continuity and change.”

“This paper therefore, tries to reconstruct for purposes of posterity, the nature of indigenous types of shelters of the Mbum ethnic group on the Nkambe plateau of Cameroon. … it was discovered that Mbum people have three main indigenous types of settlement architecture, most of which have either been modified or become extinct over the years. The first consisted of houses constructed with sun-dried bricks and thatched with grass; the second with bamboos, sticks and also thatched with grass, while the third had circularly arranged stones also thatched with grass. The last two are gradually dying out while the first is being modified with zinc roofs and walls plastered with cement and sand.” T.R. Tanto (2020)

The place where Nfuh regularly meets is Nfuh house (Ndap Nfuh) and has a particular way in which it is constructed. A typical traditional ndap nfuh is made of raffia bamboos and roofs thatched with grass. The Bamboos are skillfully crisscrossed over each other with small openings such that while inside, one can see outside. The reason for this was for security purposes. Nfuh members were warriors and wouldn’t like to be taken by surprise by the enemy. They allowed those openings so that they can see the enemy from afar. The sitting order inside the Nfuh house is organized in five different positions based on ranks and responsibilities.

A Typical Nfuh House

A Nfuh house can have two or three doors. Each entrance is framed by wooden sculptures of men and women in a vertical position on both sides of the doors and carvings of human heads across the top. These symbolize those they defeated in war to protect women and children. An Average Nfuh house can take up to hundred people seated. Nfuh musical instruments and others like pots, utensils and cups are all kept inside the Nfuh house.

Why are Indigenouse Nfuh Houses disappearing?

The disappearance of Indigenous Nfuh Houses among the Wimbum people can be attributed to several factors:

1. Religious Influence: The introduction and establishment of Islam and Christianity have significantly impacted traditional Wimbum institutions. As these religions grew stronger, they often conflicted with traditional practices, leading to a decline in membership and weakening of traditional institutions.

2. Education and Globalization: The Wimbum people, initially less educated and unfamiliar with global dynamics, were more susceptible to the doctrines of these new religions. This shift in belief systems contributed to the erosion of traditional practices and institutions.

3. Cultural Assimilation: Over time, the integration of Western religious practices led to a gradual assimilation of the Wimbum people into these new cultural norms, further diminishing the role and presence of traditional institutions like Nfuh and Samba.

4. Modernization and Urbanization: As communities modernize and urbanize, traditional structures and practices often face challenges in maintaining their relevance and functionality. This has been the case with the Nfuh and Samba houses in Bih village, which have ceased to function effectively.

The decline of these traditional institutions is a clear indication of a dying culture. Revitalizing and reconstructing these structures is crucial to preserving the cultural heritage and ensuring the smooth functioning of traditional practices. This effort requires a collective commitment to cultural preservation and education about the importance of these institutions.

Cry and concern of His Majesty, the King of Bih and the people of Bih:

The concerns of His Majesty, the King of Bih and the Bih people, especially the elders, about preserving the Nfuh culture are deeply heartfelt.

His Majesty expresses a profound sense of loss as he witnesses the decline of this cherished tradition. However, he remains hopeful and enthusiastic about the efforts being made by Taa Nformi Ndamnsah Blaise to revitalize Nfuh life in his kingdom, seeing it as a potential dream come true.

The Divisional Delegate for Arts and Culture, Mr. Moluh Cyril, highlighted the richness of the Wimbum culture during a community radio interview. He emphasized the importance of preserving, protecting, and promoting this heritage, referring to it as the "three Rs."

The late Taa Nformi Nganji Joseph Nkfunkoh made significant efforts to revive the Nfuh and Samba traditions in Bih village, although he could not fully realize his dream. The collective commitment to these cultural preservation efforts is crucial for ensuring that future generations can inherit and cherish the Nfuh culture.

Important outcomes:

The project to reconstruct the Indigenous shelters (Ndap-Nfuh) of Bih aims to achieve several important outcomes:

• Rebuild Confidence and Love for the Village: By revitalizing these cultural structures, the community's pride and connection to their heritage will be strengthened.

• Strengthen Rulership: This will support the leadership of Ta Nfor Nkwi Bih, reinforcing traditional governance and cultural continuity.

• Encourage Return to the Village: Those who have moved to cities and abroad will feel more inclined to return and reconnect with their roots.

• Cultural Education for Youth: The project will provide an opportunity for the younger generation to learn and appreciate their nearly extinct culture, boosting the sociocultural life of the community.

• Satisfaction of Cultural Preservation: Participants in the project will gain the fulfillment of having contributed to the rescue and revival of an endangered cultural heritage.

This initiative reflects the Wimbum adage "Abee Yu Ngir" (Unity is strength) and highlights the importance of community effort in preserving cultural identity.

Timeline of Activities

Construction Costs in Local Currency

CONCLUSION

It's heartening to hear about the enthusiasm and support from the local authorities and the Bih population for reviving Nfuh life. The general acceptance and eagerness for the project are promising signs of its potential success. By preserving the Nfuh culture in Bih village, this initiative will not only revive the village but also enhance social cohesion, especially in times of insecurity and rural exodus.