The Cameroonian Insight
With more than 240 ethnic groups and linguistic tongues, Cameroon is a culturally varied country. The distinct fashion choices made by members of various ethnic communities are indicative of this variety. Today, we will be looking at some traditional attires worn by people in Cameroon.
Toghu
The toghu or atoghu is a traditional attire originally worn by esteemed individuals at events, and originates from the North West region of Cameroon, including Bamenda, Tikar, and Ngemba. It features an intricate, handwoven design with geometric patterns and striking colours often black, white and red, and sometimes multicoloured. The designs can vary and symbolize diverse cultural aspects.
Over time, the atoghu attire has gained international recognition as a significant Cameroonian attire. Cameroonian athletes have proudly worn it at opening ceremonies of sporting events, including the Olympics, and celebrities have showcased this unique traditional costume on their pages and at events while embodying the unity, strength and rich heritage of the Cameroonian culture.
Sandja
Sandja is a brightly coloured piece of clothing which comes with different designs and patterns, worn by men in the loin region as a dress along with a shirt. It is worn during occasions and is common among most ethnic groups in the Southwestern and Littoral regions of Cameroon and helps to differentiate people from this region from other parts.
Kaba Ngondo
The Kaba is a full length female clothing worn alongside a headgear and is the traditional attire worn by ethnic groups in the Southwestern and Central regions of Cameroon. It is common among the Sawa ethnic group especially among the Duala, Malimba, Bakweri, Bassossi, Bakossi, Ewodi people and ethnic groups.
Obom
The Obom is a traditional attire which is common with the Fang-Beti, Bantu ethnic groups scattered in the southern, central and eastern regions of Cameroon. It is made from tree bark, specifically the ‘aloa’ tree, a soft white wood having a fibery bark and is widely spread in the equatorial forest. The layers of the tree barks are treated into sheets, beaten and processed to make fabrics for clothing.
Ndop
Ndop is a unique and rare piece of clothing that can be traced to the Bamileke ethnic group in the Western region of Cameroon. It is characterized by its distinctive natural dye, having a combination of symbols and designs printed on it.
This piece of clothing was initially worn by the elites and on special occasions but over time, it has gained global recognition and is classified as a national heritage of the Cameroonian people.