Bandjoun Chiefdom

The Bamileke chiefdoms of the western highlands each keep a palace compound at their centre, and Bandjoun is among the best known: a great meeting house with a steep conical thatched roof rising above a square plan, its facade and verandah posts carved with figures, animals and geometric bands, standing at the head of a court with the residences and society houses of the chiefdom around it. The main hall burned in 2005 and was rebuilt to the same form using the same techniques, which is itself a demonstration of a living building tradition. A museum in the compound holds masks, beaded thrones, elephant masks and textiles used in the chiefdom's ceremonies.

The main sights

• The great thatched meeting house - the conical roof over a square hall.
• Carved verandah posts - figures and bands worked into the timber.
• Beaded thrones and elephant masks - the regalia in the museum.
• The rebuilt hall - the 2005 reconstruction in traditional technique.

When to go

November to February in the dry season; ceremonies fall at set points and are the fullest expression of the chiefdom. Half a day. A guide from the chiefdom is required.

Things to know

Parts of the compound are private and access depends on the chiefdom. Photography inside the museum may be restricted or charged. Fees are agreed on arrival and vary. Roads in the region are rough.

Nearby

Bafoussam is north; Baham and the Fovu stones lie west.

Key facts