At Yaounde art exhibition launch: Culture minister salutes cooperation ties between Cameroon, France.

The fair launched at the National Museum will see the exhibition of close to 200 artefacts that bring to the limelight the rich cultural heritage of the Sudano-Sahelian regions from the Angoulême Museum in France. 

The event runs from July 12 to December 15. It is under the theme: "Septentrion: Dynamics between Past and Present”.

This exhibition is a collaborative effort between Cameroon and the Angoulême Museum, supported by the French Institute.

The launching ceremony, rich in colour and ambiance, was graced by an array of distinguished guests. They included top government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, cultural leaders, and sister organisations.

Among the attendees were the Ambassador of France to Cameroon, H.E Thierry Marchand, and the Director of the Angoulême Museum, Salaberry Emilie.

The exhibition focuses on the cultural heritage of the three northern regions of Cameroon; Adamawa, Far North, and North. 

It highlights these areas' historical and contemporary dynamics, presenting an insightful exploration of their human settlements, cultural creations, and intangible heritage.

For the next six months, the exhibition will feature a range of activities such as conferences, debates, artistic performances, and book signings, among others. These events aim to engage visitors and deepen their understanding of the cultural heritage on display. 

Minister lauds cooperation ties, announces future plans 

Speaking at the event, Minister Bidoung Mkpatt expressed gratitude to the French government and institutions for their continued support.

"This exhibition symbolises the strong cultural ties between Cameroon and France, particularly through the partnership between the National Museum of Cameroon and the Angoulême Museum," he stated. 

Stressing on the broader initiative to preserve and promote Cameroon's cultural heritage, the Minister said "this exhibition is part of our commitment to safeguarding historical artifacts and promoting cultural dialogue". 

Announcing plans for future exhibitions focusing on other cultural areas of Cameroon, such as Fang-Beti, Grassfields, and Sawa, the minister emphasised that "these initiatives are vital in fostering national unity and cultural identity".

Reiterating the government's support for cultural projects despite economic challenges, the minister said "the role of arts and culture in Cameroon's development strategy is crucial as we aim to transform the sector into a pillar of economic growth".

French Ambassador calls for further collaboration

On his part, the French Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E Thierry Marchand, expressed delight for his country being part of the fair.

“We are happy to celebrate this historic return of items that have been absent for centuries. It is worth noting that the archaeologist, Jean Gabriel Goche, spent nearly half a century in Garoua in the North Region of Cameroon with his colleagues, researching the Sudano-Sahelian culture. During this research, they discovered about 200 objects dating from the 10th to the 20th century. These collected artifacts were housed in the Angoulême Museum and now constitute the majority of the objects presented here," he said. 

"I hope that the return of these objects will serve as a stepping stone for new joint scientific research aimed at valuing the cultural heritage of Cameroon and further strengthening the ties between France and Cameroon,” Marchand stressed. 

He added that: “I also commend the tremendous effort made to ensure the success of this event. The exhibition we see here today is the result of bilateral cooperation between Cameroon and France".

The French diplomat extended gratitude to the French Institute, the initiators of this project. 

The National Museum has restructured one of its permanent exhibition rooms to feature archaeological pieces from the Sudano-Sahelian cultural era, offering a comprehensive view of Cameroon’s diverse cultural landscape.

Organisers thrill participants to guided tour 

Meanwhile, the representatives from the Angoulême and Cameroon’s National Museum, took participants on a guided tour during which they explained each step of the way.

The exhibition is divided into several sections, each highlighting different aspects of the region's cultural dynamics.

The first section delves into the movements of human populations within the Sudano-Sahelian cultural area, their relationship with the environment, and the resulting lifestyle changes. 

It explores the patterns of human migration and settlement, emphasising how these movements have shaped the region’s cultural landscape.

The second section features prominent cultural installations such as architecture and textile production, highlighting the forms, skills, and motifs that have circulated widely within the region. It highlights the ingenuity and creativity embedded in the region’s cultural heritage. 

The third section celebrates the intangible heritage of the region, including dances, festivals, rites, stories, songs, and celebrations, underscoring the rich and inexhaustible cultural wealth of the northern territories.

The final section focuses on the diverse cultures, allowing visitors to experience, share, and understand the history of the region. It addresses the role of traditions in the modern world, emphasising the importance of environmental conservation, the role of women, and the preservation and transmission of cultural practices.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3169 of Monday July 15, 2024