Unique carving at museum entrance, sign of cultural pride

Renovation of the entrance of Museum by the royal palace at Foumban is very impressive. The entrance bear a unique artwork of a carved two-headed snake.

This is a clear show of the dignity of the Bamum people. They are proud of their history, its rich cultural and artistic heritage. The serpent with two heads, according to legend is a strong symbol of the Bamoum people. It means, that it can attack on two fronts and bring back the victories.

But before this powerful symbol of the Bamoum people was explained, many had the impression that this two-headed snake meant division. Thus, the correct representation was made during the visit of the Governor of the Western region in the eponymous city.

Despite the orders of public authorities, calls to the calm of the foreign elite, after the clashes between activists of the UDC and soldiers of the sultan, the Kingdom seems divided into two.

The battle of leadership and control of the city by the Njoya brothers eventually rose to perverse and devastating effects on the daily life of the foumbanais. At Foumban, we laugh together. We sing together. We study together. The formula seems to be "Tell me which side you are, and I'll tell you if we can live together".

Yet, history revealed that Foumban is the African capital of handicrafts, and furthermore, the largest basin in agricultural production. Foumbot market, platform of supply remains the destination of traders from Gabon and Congo. Economic opportunities have proliferated on this side. The Palace of King Bamoun was included in the UNESCO heritage.

The former Bamoun region which became the chief Department after the independence, covers only half of the land in the West. The vast constituency is also many assets including; the Museum of art, which draws thousands of tourists each year. The plains of the Tikar, with trays covered with savanna.

Despite this rich cultural past, one of the oldest ancient peoples of Africa known for its warring capabilities today a crisis of value and principle. The son of nun will succeed - they implement traditional values yet put in writing by one of the founding fathers of the Bamoun Kingdom, King Njoya, marking the distinction between traditional values and tradition which prescribes respect for one another.