The Socio-Cultural Perceptions of Strings Among the Betis and Bamums of Cameroon
People the world over are identify by the objects that they use. These objects some can be those used in the home, others are used to augment the beauty of individuals meanwhile some are employed as instruments to protect as well as heal people from health and others conditions. In Africa in general and in Cameroon in particular, there are cultures which use waist beads as well as strings to either beautify, protect or heal themselves or in rites of passage. The Beti and Bamum for instance are two cultures in Cameroon that employ the string and those which are often seen are the black and red types. When some Beti and Bamum people have stomach disorder and pains caused by accidents among others, they do not consult a medical practitioner to determine the cause of their problem but they turn to indigenous treatment. The questions therefore is what are the perceptions of the Beti and Bamum people around strings or cords? The paper seeks to understand the perception of the Beti and Bamum people around strings. It equally seeks to illustrate the functions of cords in the Beti and Bamum socio-cultures. Data for this paper was collected using both the qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method was employed through participant observation, in-depth interview, life histories and photography. The quantitative method was used through the questionnaires. It (the data) was interpreted using functionalism and symbolic anthropology. Findings reveal that the commonly used strings bear two major colours, the black and red colours. These are colours which are capable of attracting supernatural powers. These strings are attached on the bodies of children both male and female. But female adults are the ones who frequently wear the black rope because they are usually more vulnerable (to spiritual attacks) than the male folk. The string (be it red or black) is attached on different parts of the body and the choice where it is tied is largely determined by its use and the user. Like most cultural elements, this rope is very invaluable to the Bamum and Beti for it has protective, curative, and spiritual connotation or functions. This indigenous system of treating minor as well as spiritual problems of the people is less expensive and has been handed down from generation to generation. Considering the fact that it is part of the peoples’ way of life, if developed, it could really be of great help to the entire society especially the masses.
Key words: socio-culture, perception, utility, string, Beti, Bamum
