Photos

The Bamileke (French Bamiléké) are a collection of Semi-Bantu (or Grassfields Bantu) ethnic groups most highly concentrated in the western highlands of Cameroon's West Province. The Bamileke divide themselves into over 100 individual groups, each under the rule of a chief or fon. Nonetheless, all of these groups are related historically, culturally, and linguistically. With over 2,120,000 individuals in the late 20th century, the Bamileke are the most numerous semi-Bantu group. They speak a number of related tongues from the Bantoid branch of the Niger-Congo language family.
The Bamileke were largely Christianised during the colonial period, and today more Bamileke profess Catholicism than Protestantism. Some people practice Islam.
In addition, traditional ancestor worship still thrives. The leader of each lineage is expected to offer libations to the forefathers with aid of their preserved skulls. Traditional medicine also features prominently in these beliefs, and healers are diviners, as well. One common form of divination involves interpreting the manipulation of various marked blades of grass by an earth spider.
A reputation as shrewd businessmen is today supplanting the Bamileke's esteem as craftsmen. The various peoples have eagerly and adeptly adopted the European-introduced cash-based economy, making the Bamileke some of Cameroon's most prominent entrepreneurs.
In this shot you can see a traditional wizard and behind him a little handicrafts seller (first step to become entrepreneur!!!)