The Bakweri are an ethnic group indigenous to the slopes of Mount Cameroon in Southwest Region, Cameroon, with a population of roughly 50,000. Known for their agricultural resilience, cultural festivals, and historical resistance to colonial rule, the Bakweri have maintained a distinct identity despite modernization pressures.

Key Features of the Bakweri People

Agricultural Traditions The Bakweri are skilled subsistence farmers, cultivating plantains, cocoyams, and maize on the fertile volcanic soils of Mount Cameroon. They also grow coffee and palm oil as cash crops, adapting to both traditional and modern farming techniques.

Cultural Identity Bakweri culture is celebrated through dances like the Lela and Malo, performed during festivals with drumming and masquerades. Their traditional attire, featuring woven fabrics and beadwork, reflects their connection to the land and ancestral heritage.

Social Structure Organized into extended family units, Bakweri society is governed by chiefs and councils of elders. The Njoku (elephant) society historically played a role in conflict resolution and communal decision-making.

Spiritual Beliefs While many Bakweri now practice Christianity, traditional beliefs in ancestor spirits (liengu) and nature deities persist. Rituals like the Lela festival honor ancestors and seek blessings for the community.

Historical Resistance The Bakweri fiercely resisted German colonization in the late 19th century, leading the Bakweri Rebellion (1891–1894). Today, they advocate for land rights amid urbanization and commercial plantations encroaching on their ancestral lands.

The Bakweri’s cultural endurance, agricultural adaptability, and historical defiance underscore their significance in Cameroon’s diverse heritage.