Kom people (Cameroon)

The Kom are one of the principal ethnic groups of the North-West province of Cameroon, where traditional government institutions are very important.

The capital, Laikom, is the seat of the ruler, the Fon, and his advisors, the Quifon, who continue to be the most respected leaders despite the imposition of a central Cameroonian government.

The elaborate language and rich culture of Kom are very similar to neighbouring groups, collectively known as the Tikar.

The Kom people, who originated from upper Mbam in Tikari, moved in search of fertile soils.

He then tricked the Fon of kom (Njinabo I) into believing that the increase in their male population may some day lead to them being overthrown.

The fon of Kom believed this and subsequently accepted his proposal to burn all the healthy men in two separate rooms.

The system of government of checks and balances suggests the democratic process of indigenous African civilization.

Unlike any other elderly person in the Kom indigenous society, this set of people can easily be recognized by the red feather they carry on their hats.

New roles developed including catechists, pupils, teachers, students, and workers who adhered to the colonial regime rather than the Kom's traditional values and hierarchies, and thus a continuation of the decline of his power.

Maize, guinea corn, cocoyams, and yams are sold and traded, with the women of the community doing most of the farming.

Males hold the vast majority of power and privilege, while females labour mostly in domestic roles in kitchens and on farms.

The process of matrilineal succession in Kom society is more complex if a deceased male did not have a nephew to inherit his property.

Although there has been a large amount of social change within the Kom culture, oral tradition within the community is still very significant and contributes to the annual festival that is hosted by the Fon.

The Cameroon Government was aware of the Afo-A-Kom's location in 1973 and immediately demanded that the possessor, the Furman Gallery, return it.

This brought about discourse regarding repatriation and started conversations about returning art that was stolen from Africans because of colonialism, and a New York Times article was written.

Njang-fubom: This dance is performed by both men and women within the Kom community to entertain and promote the culture.

Women are not allowed to enter the Juju houses because the rituals that take place are for men's eyes only.