ROYAL PALACE OF BAFOUSSAM

Located in the heart of the present-day city, the Palais Royal is a plunge into the 800-year history of Bamiléké royalty. A sculpted porch opens the way to the royal estates, huts, chiefdom, palace and sacred forest. You are greeted by the statue of the dynasty's founder, Fom Njouvoum (^13th century). Behind him stands a huge bamboo building, the chieftaincy. Here, the king still meets with notables, the guarantors of tradition, and receives requests from the town's inhabitants. Despite colonization and independence, the sovereign continues to exercise his authority. Administrators, ministers and politicians seek his support, and he still presides over customary trials. Anyone accused of theft in the chiefdom must go to the palace, and will not leave unless he has sworn 3 times on the sacred statue. It is believed that if he is the perpetrator, he will die within 5 days...

The festival grounds are lined with huts housing tom-toms, the sound of which gives rhythm to the festivities. In the center stands the ancient hanging tree. Every year, sacrifices are made to it, and animal blood is poured over its roots. For centuries, the tree has had a taste for blood, and only blood appeases it. Today, the Nyang Nyang festival, which takes place every two years between November and March, introduces young people not only to the history of the town, but also to its rites and customs, to ensure the perpetuation of traditions for generations to come.