Sawa Area
Coastline, the Wouri river and the peoples of the water
On the Atlantic coast, around Douala and the Wouri river, the Sawa peoples built their identity on maritime trade, fishing and a powerful bond with water — embodied every year by the great Ngondo festival.
Regions
Littoral · Sud-Ouest
Communities
People historically tied to maritime trade on the Wouri river, whose Bell and Akwa royal dynasties played a central role in exchanges with European navigators from the 16th century onward.
People of the slopes of Mount Cameroon (South-West), strong cultural bond with the volcano ('Mountain of the Gods'), plantation agriculture and a strong sporting tradition (Mount Cameroon Race of Hope).
Coastal and riverine communities of the Littoral, traditional fishing, carved dugout canoes, and participation in the Ngondo regattas.
Heritage
- Palais des Rois Bell (Douala)
- Villages de pêcheurs sur pilotis
- Danses de régate du Ngondo
- Makossa (danse et rythme populaire)
- Makossa
- Chants de pagayeurs
- Poisson braisé et bobolo (bâton de manioc fermenté)
- Sanga (riz/poisson/légumes)
- Fruits de mer grillés
- Sculpture de pirogues
- Vannerie de bord de mer
- Le Ngondo (rite des Miengu, esprits de l'eau)
- Régates traditionnelles
Gallery
