In the 14th century, Nchare, a young Tikar prince, set out with his uncles Morunta and Nguonso in search of a kingdom.
Their journey took them to the heart of Cameroon, where Nchare founded the Bamoun kingdom. This captivating story traces the history of this kingdom and its evolution through the centuries, marked by the influence of the mysterious Nguon secret society and the tumultuous relations with the French colonists.
The adventures of Nchare and his companions began in the Mbam valley, where they crossed the Mapé river to reach the rich lands of the highlands, now known as the department of Noun. It was there that they gave birth to the Bamoun kingdom, under the shade of a shea tree.
The Bamoun kingdom prospered thanks to the friendship between Nchare Yen and Mfo Mokup, chief of a nearby village. Together they created the Nguon Secret Society, which played a crucial role in the kingdom’s survival and prosperity. The Nguon ensured the supply of foodstuffs to the palace and the equitable distribution of food in the chiefdom, while serving as a secret police and intelligence service for the king.
The Nguon Festival, an annual harvest celebration, quickly became an essential cultural tradition and an element of identity for the Bamoun people. However, the arrival of French colonizers in the 20th century threatened the very existence of this festival, as well as that of the kingdom.
The French, suspicious of King Njoya, a man of genius and vision, sought to weaken the kingdom by limiting the power of its institutions. Despite the settlers’ efforts to suppress the Nguon Festival, the Bamoun people managed to preserve their tradition, testifying to the resilience and unity of this unique culture.
Discover the fascinating history of the Bamoun kingdom and its rulers, from the exploits of Prince Nchare to the influence of the Nguon secret society and the struggle for survival in the face of French colonization. Immerse yourself in the heart of this historical epic and explore the cultural heritage of the Bamoun people, a precious legacy that has spanned the centuries.
