Foumban, Cameroon – A majestic two-headed snake with its fangs raised high welcomes visitors to the Museum of the Bamoun Kings in western Cameroon. This impressive coat of arms is just one of the many highlights of the museum, which opened its doors to the public on Saturday in a grand ceremony attended by thousands of Cameroonians.
Located in the historic capital of the Bamoun Kings, Foumban, the museum was inaugurated by Sultan King Mouhammad Nabil Mforifoum Mbombo Njoya, the current ruler of the Bamoun Kingdom. The event was attended by 2,000 guests, including members of the royal family, government officials, and diplomats.
The royal family, descendants of a monarchy that dates back six centuries, were dressed in traditional ceremonial attire, adorned with colorful boubous and matching fezzes. The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of griot narrators playing drums and long traditional flutes, while palace riflemen fired shots to announce the arrival of distinguished guests.
The highlight of the event was the performance of the ritual Ndjah dance by princes and princesses from the Bamoun chieftaincies. Dressed in yellow robes and animal masks, they paid homage to their ancestors and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Bamoun people.
For Cameroon, the opening of a museum dedicated to the history of a kingdom is a unique and significant event. According to Armand Kpoumie Nchare, author of a book about the Bamoun kingdom, this museum is “unique in its scope” and a testament to the resilience of the Bamoun people.
Despite the presence of missionaries, merchants, and colonial administrators, the Bamoun kingdom has managed to exist and remain authentic. Founded in 1384, it is one of the oldest kingdoms in sub-Saharan Africa and has played a significant role in shaping the region’s history.
The museum, which is spread over 5,000 square meters (54,000 square feet), is built in the shape of the Bamoun kingdom’s coat of arms. The entrance is adorned with a two-headed serpent, symbolizing the strength and unity of the Bamoun people.
The opening of the museum was a festival for the Bamoun people, who came from all over to witness this historic moment. 50-year-old spectator Ben Oumar expressed his pride and joy, saying, “It’s a proud feeling to attend this event. We’ve been waiting for it for a long time.”
Civil servant Mahamet Jules Pepore also shared his excitement, saying, “It’s a great honor to be here today. This museum is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Bamoun people and a source of pride for all of us.”
The museum houses 12,500 pieces, including weapons, pipes, and musical instruments, which were previously displayed in the royal palace. It also showcases the rich creativity of the Bamoun people, with intricate craftsmanship and art, such as Bamoun drawings, and technological innovations of the peasants, including mills and wine presses.
One of the most prominent displays in the museum is dedicated to the life of the most famous Bamoun King, Ibrahim Njoya, who reigned from 1889 to 1933. He is credited with creating the Bamoune Script, a writing system that contains over 500 syllabic signs. The museum exhibits his manuscripts and a corn-grinding machine he invented, showcasing his contributions to the development of the Bamoun kingdom.
Sultan King Mouhammad, the great-grandson of Ibrahim Njoya, paid tribute to his grandfather’s legacy and his role as a guardian and pioneer. He said, “This museum is a way for us to be proud of our past and to build our future. It also shows that Africa is not just an importer of thoughts, but a continent with a rich and diverse cultural heritage.”
The idea for the museum was conceived by former Sultan King Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya, who launched its construction in 2013 after realizing that the palace rooms were too small to display the kingdom’s treasures. The opening of the museum comes just months after the Nguon of the Bamoun people, a set of rituals celebrated in a popular annual festival, was added to UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Museum of the Bamoun Kings is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Bamoun people and a source of pride for all
