Fovu Sacred Rocks

At Fovu near Baham in the western highlands stands a group of large stones, one of them a tall monolith, in a clearing that has been a ritual site of the Baham chiefdom for a very long time. Its significance is religious rather than archaeological in any presented sense: ceremonies are held there, offerings are made, and the site is under the authority of the chiefdom and its notables, who decide what may be seen, photographed and said. Guides come from the community. The stones stand in cultivated grassfields country among eucalyptus and farm plots, and the site has been put forward for wider heritage recognition. It is treated with seriousness by everyone connected to it.

What you actually see

• A tall standing monolith - the principal stone of the group.
• A working ritual site - ceremonies and offerings still made here.
• Chiefdom authority over access - the notables who decide what is permitted.
• Grassfields farmland around - the cultivated country the stones stand in.

When to go

November through February, when it is driest. Two hours. A guide from the chiefdom is compulsory and permission must be sought before visiting; do not go alone.

Honest expectations

This is a sacred site and visiting without permission causes serious offence. Photography may be refused outright. There is no interpretation and nothing built for visitors. The track in is rough.

Nearby

Baham is north; Bafoussam lies north-east.