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Jaglavak Glossary

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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