Review
"Mbaku summarizes Cameroon's indigenous and modern customs in depth, emphasizing aspects that define the modern nation, its people, their institutions, and their various lifestyles. He traces the origins of Cameroon's diverse culture back to its various ethnic groups and languages, and examines the influences of European colonialism, Christianity, Islam, and globalization. In each chapter, examples from different ethnic groups are presented to give a sense of the variety of experiences within the country. B&W photos are included." -
Reference & Research Book News/Art Book News Annual
Product Description
Cameroon, in Central Africa, has been called Africa in miniature. It is characterized by exceptional social and ethnic diversity, with more than 250 ethnicities now forming five major regional-culture groupings. This volume is the first to encapsulate Cameroon's rich indigenous and modern customs and traditions in depth. The narrative emphasizes those aspects that define its modern nation, its peoples, the unique societies, their institutions, and various lifestyles. The origins of Cameroon's diverse culture are traced back to the various ethnic groups and languages as well as the influence of European colonialism, Christianity, Islam, and other external factors, including globalization. In each topical chapter, examples from ethnic groups are presented to give some sense of the variety of experiences.
Cameroon has had a turbulent and eventful modern history with German, English, and French incursions, and students and general readers will be able to understand the current struggle for democracy post independence. The history colors the substantial coverage of the many topics examined, from education, to marriage and women's roles, sports, and holidays, daily life, the arts, and much more. This volume will stand as the definitive, accessible introduction to Cameroon and will be essential for building a well-rounded Africa collection.
