The Bamilekes and Geo-architecture in the Mechanisms of Defense and Security: An Attempt at a Historical-Anthropological Study Based on the Alignment of the Buildings and Structures in the Grassfields Chieftaincies of West Cameroon Between the 15th and 19th Centuries

Abstract

The sudden and massive arrival of the Bamileke on the highlands of West Cameroon between the 15th and 16th centuries A.D. through spontaneous, sporadic and sometimes disorganized migratory waves, marked an unprecedented change in the socio-cultural evolution and political configuration of the region. Indeed, this had led not only to the progressive populating of the entire plateau, but also to the beginning of the first real organized and structured political entities, namely the chiefdoms. The matrimonial social system of Bamileke polygamy generated an exponential demographic growth inherent to a strong uncontrolled dynamic that systematically exerted enormous pressure on the exploitation of natural resources, which in addition to being already scarce was also static. The Bamileke in a survivalist spirit tried to control vital spaces such as water, land, hunting grounds, etc., which unleashed the hegemonic impulses and antagonistic bellicosity of these tribes; one against the other thus plunging the whole region into a turbulent atmosphere characterized by conquest struggles and raids. Indeed, the Bamileke, faced with the permanent challenges of instability and insecurity, in a logic of survival, will appeal to geography to protect themselves. This article aims to demonstrate the contribution of geography in Bamileke architecture as a basic defensive and security support. A genuine interest was noted in the involvement of geography in the development and elaboration of defense and security techniques and strategies in Bamileke land. The study revealed that geography had always played a decisive role not only in the migratory path of this people but had also punctuated the choice of their position at altitude on the plateau, including that of their spiritual conception. This research combined both documentary analysis and oral source approaches.