Lela in Bali

The narrative explores the evolution of an annual festival in Northern Cameroon, tracing its transformation from a celebration of eighteenth-century kingdoms to a mounted durbar influenced by Muslim states and later to a festival of arms under German colonialism. This festival, reinterpreted by missionaries and post-colonial figures, has emerged as a vital aspect of Cameroonian identity. Richard Fardon's comprehensive historical analysis spans two centuries, offering significant insights into both Cameroonian culture and the broader context of African cultural evolution.