Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences / Architectural Traditions in the Cultural Identification of the Beti People in Cameroon in the Modern Era

Full text (.pdf)
Issue
Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences. 2026 19 (5)
Authors
Borisova, Isabella Z.; Frank Lionel Maok
Contact information
Borisova, Isabella Z.: M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University (Yakutsk, Russian Federation); ; Frank Lionel Maok: M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University (Yakutsk, Russian Federation); University of Duala Duala (Republic of Cameroon)
Keywords
Cameroon; Beti; collective memory; places of memory; Nda cuisine; abaa – men’s zone
Abstract

This article is the first in a series on the culture and languages of modern French-speaking African countries, proposed by the international scientific and educational laboratory for the study of modern identification processes, cultural transformation, and the development of cultural and creative industries between the University of Douala (Cameroon) and the M. K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University (Russia, Sakha Republic (Yakutia). This article focuses on the Beti people, a compact ethnic group living in the Central Region of Cameroon, and their traditional culture: the memory sites of the Beti clans living in Cameroon. The authors focused on the location, role, and functions of traditional architectural structures adapted to the climatic, cultural, and social conditions of their residence. The purpose of the work is to demonstrate, using traditional Nda and Abaa structures as examples, their significant role in transmitting traditional culture and collective memory, and to introduce Russian- speaking researchers to the architectural heritage of the Beti people. An analysis of traditional Beti housing types and their role in the collective memory of the people was conducted. An analysis of the Beti architectural heritage, time-honored and adapted to the local climate and needs, revealed that traditional dwellings are “human places,” “memory places,” “creation places,” “knowledge places,” and “transition places” for the peoples of Cameroon. Some building types are classified as “non-places”. Globalization processes have significantly altered the architectural traditions of Cameroon’s indigenous peoples. However, despite the visible segregation of society and a penchant for Western cultures, African identity is underscored by interest in and attachment to traditional dwellings, as the most visible and demonstrative part of ethnic identity. Contemporary African society is witnessing a shift toward a positive perception of architectural traditions long perceived as backward

Pages
925–933
EDN
TQVWGE
Paper at repository of SibFU
https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/158445

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