Aïcha Larissa Saïd (see phot. below) from the University of Yaoundé 1 in Cameroon, one of the most valiant students in the Project, went to the villages of Awae, Ngat, Ekekelan, and Nkolesong in the Centre region of Cameroon (Nov. 29–Dec. 1, 2019), to collect myths.
She met with several people of ages from 60 to 92, who are considered as some of the most important custodians of the Beti Fang culture. Beti Fang is one of the biggest ethnic groups in Cameroon. They extend even to neighboring Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The following are some images, indicating a live situation of myth narration, and questions from Larissa.
Larissa is planning another trip to the distant Eastern region of Cameroon for the same exercise. Also, in January 2020, she will travel to neighboring Chad, to explore the area and collect myths which we believe have never really been told to anyone. Below you can see a famous traditional instrument of the Beti-Fang:
As you can see in the photos, Larissa’s head is covered as she listens to one of the narrators. This is a specific cultural index for women from a Muslim background, who are often required to cover their heads when in the presence of men. Larissa comes from the Northern region of Cameroon, and is from a Muslim family, even though she is a practicing Christian.
Follow us to discover more on the fascinating storytelling tradition in Cameroon!
See more:
- Report from Prof. Daniel A. Nkemleke journey to the Village of Loua 1 (Oct. 28, 2018): https://ourmythicalchildhoodblog.wordpress.com/2019/03/14/the-omc-project-goes-rural-a-report-of-my-mythical-journey-to-the-village-of-loua-1-oct-28-2018/
Post by Daniel A. Nkemleke, Department of English, University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon, e-mail: nkemlekedan@yahoo.com
Pictures from Aïcha Larissa Saïd
Our Mythical Childhood Blog 