LAMIDO PALACE

Founded in 1830 by the Peuls after their victory over the Mboum, it is one of the largest lamidats in the northern part of Cameroon. Recently renovated, its traditional fence has been replaced by concrete. The Lamido is the local spiritual and political leader of the community. Inside, a vestibule where he received audiences surrounded by his ministers and advisors. Each of them sits in the place assigned to him and his family for generations. Plaster frescoes on the walls illustrate part of the Lamidat's history. Further on, the Lamido's private domain, the hut that once housed the customary court, which is still used today for matters of inheritance or divorce. In one of the Lamido's accessible huts, traditional artifacts hang on the wall: quivers filled with arrows, balafons and tam-tams from the period, shields made from elephant ears, buffalo horns and elephant hides as trophies, and more. Guide Hamadou will reveal the secrets of the palace, such as the hiding places used in times of war or the meaning of the colors on the walls. The Lamido still reigns here, and it's not uncommon to see people waiting patiently to be received by the great chief. To top it all off, a museum opened within the palace in 2017. The tour is guided by one of the Lamido's subjects, a member of the palace service. A historical and architectural marvel!