The ndwɛt is a creeping plant. Its ability to multiply rapidly makes it a symbol of fertility. Medicinally, the plant (its roots, leaves and flowers) is used in cases of infertility. (Ndonfack 2018) Its juice, obtained by maceration, is consumed to stimulate the appetite. During their initiation period at La’akam* (initiatic village), for example, future chiefs consume it daily to emerge, after nine months, overweight. Studies have proven that ndwɛt acts effectively on gastric problems (Telefo 2015, 16). The juice of the ndwɛt is also an essential ingredient in the rite of twins. It therefore represents peace, fertility, well-being, union, blessing and protection. Its consumption by the twins, by family members and by the audience during and after the ritual, and its sprinkling in the congregation and in the homes, have but one purpose: to ensure fertility and blessing.
Le ndwɛt est une plante rampante. Sa faculté de se multiplier rapidement explique qu’elle soit un symbole de fécondité. Du point de vue médicinal, la plante (ses racines, ses feuilles et ses fleurs) est employée en cas d’infertilité. Sa consommation permet également de soigner l’anorexie. (Ndonfack 2018) Son jus, obtenu par macération, est consommé pour stimuler l’appétit. Pendant leur stage initiatique au La’akam*, par exemple, les futurs chefs le consomment quotidiennement pour ressortir, après neuf mois, avec de l’embonpoint. Des études ont prouvé que le ndwɛt agit efficacement sur les problèmes gastriques (Telefo 2015, 16). Le jus du ndwɛt est également la substance idéale pour le traitement de tout mal-être spirituel ou physique. Dans ce cas, il a pour rôle d’apaiser le corps et l’esprit. Le jus du ndwɛt est un ingrédient essentiel du rite des jumeaux. Il représente donc à la fois la paix, la fertilité, le bien-être, l’union, la bénédiction et la protection. Sa consommation par les jumeaux/ jumelles, par les membres de la famille et par l’assistance pendant et après le rituel, son aspersion dans l’assemblée et dans les maisons n’ont qu’un seul but: celui d’assurer la fertilité et la bénédiction.
The word means hat. There are many different types, from royal headdresses to simple hats, Nkam (ŋkǎm)' hats and headdresses worn by the members of t...
It refers to the offering made to deities during Bamiléké religious ceremonies. The act of making an offering is called ŋgwā' pↄↄ' (throwing the mushr...
Une poutre en bois sur laquelle sont gravées des informations, lesquelles renseignent généralement sur l’importance du lieu, les valeurs ainsi que la ...
It refers to the chiefdom, which is the most important place in the village. The chiefdom has a dual definition. Firstly, it refers to the territorial...
The peace tree is a shrub that can grow up to five meters high. In Bamiléké chiefdoms, it is one of the constituent plants of the bocage*, specific to...
A notable is a person occupying a high rank in a chiefdom (See No’h (nɔ̀’)). A notable acquires his title and rank either by succession or by recognit...
The grouping of people of a certain age category. The gaps between two age groups vary from chiefdom to chiefdom. The gap considered for a generation ...
Literally the man of the tarantula, he is a doctor and a diviner. He uses tarantulas or cowrie shells for divination. He also uses plants and sacred w...
The man of leaves or medicine is the community's chief doctor. He has a thorough knowledge of medicinal plants, but also of anatomy (Notue/Perrois 198...