After so many forest trips, we decide to spend our last days on a cultural journey to visit the traditional kingdoms (chefferies) of West Cameroon. We went to the Chefferie in Bafoussam, Bandjoun and the Sultanat of Foumban. Astonishing was to hear how much power the traditional kings still have knowadays over their subjects. Also interesting was the differences in how the new king is chosen when the king dies. In Banfoussam, newborn babies (he got about 150 children from 50 wifes) of the king are screened by the notabilities for "signs" of a necklace on their skin, if found, it is secretly noted and not announced until the day of the funeral of the king. In Bandjoun, the notabilities chose amongst the children of the king the most capable (exceptionally, it can also be a woman or brother). In Foumban, its the Sultan himself who decides which of his sons will follow him on the throne.
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