In Search of Salt

Relatively recent Bantu-speaking migrants to central Cameroon, the Beti have had an eventful history. Based on extensive interviews and traditional Beti (Fang) poetry, in addition to German and French archival sources, the author of this readable study recreates the social structure of the Beti and their self-perceptions in pre-colonial times, their disruptive encounters with first German (1880-1918) and then French (1918-1960) colonialism, until Cameroon''s independence.

Relatively recent Bantu-speaking migrants to central Cameroon, the Beti have had an eventful history. Based on extensive interviews and traditional Beti (Fang) poetry, in addition to German and French archival sources, the author of this readable study recreates the social structure of the Beti and their self-perceptions in pre-colonial times, their disruptive encounters with first German (1880-1918) and then French (1918-1960) colonialism, until Cameroon’s independence.

Introduction

Chapter 1. Traditional Beti Society
Chapter 2. Social Organization and the Sso Rite
Chapter 3. “In the Time of Major Dominik”: The Beti and the Germans, 1887–1916
Chapter 4. The German Presence: Traders and Missionaries
Chapter 5. The Beti and the French
Chapter 6. Times of Expansion: The Inland Railroad, Cocoa Production, the Catholic Church
Chapter 7. The Beti from World War II to Independence

Conclusion

Appendix I: Traditional Beti Literature
Appendix II: Aspects of Traditional Beti Society, by Abbé Theodore Tsala
Appendix III: English Translation of Appendix II

Annex
Abbia Stones, by Frederick Quinn
Eight Beti Stones, by Frederick Quinn

Bibliography
Index