Mofu
The
Mofu ("People of the Mountains") comprise several peoples in
northern Cameroon who, while speaking different languages, call themselves
"Mofu" or are referred to that way. This article concerns the
Northern or Diamare Mofu, population about 55,000, in particular the Mofu of
the Douvangar and Wazang massifs (see map in article).
The
Jimi and the Gude
The
Jimi and the Gude, who live in the central Mandara Mountains, are two of
several ethnic groups of northern Cameroon, besides the Mofu, that are mentioned
in this article. They include, in order of appearance, the Meri, Gudur,
Wandala, Peuls, and Kapsiki. Many of these groups speak their own languages,
which are among some 270 languages spoken in Cameroon.
War
stones
The
materialization of power through the possession of stones is a trait of Mofu
culture. Besides war stones, these include rain stones, stones to make
livestock prosper, and stones to protect sorghum. The latter were
"discovered" in the nest of the gula ant. The connotation here is explicit and linked
to the fact that, during severe famines, people excavated anthills to find
sorghum seeds to eat or even sow.
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