This
small fence is nowhere close to an ordinary fence. It is found in almost if
not, all markets in the Northwest Region and common in secret places in the grass
fields of Cameroon. Its existence dates far back to pre-colonial times in an
era of no police or security systems. It is the invisible market or community
guard.
Every
Market Day the traditional head of the village hosting the market (Fon) stood
in front of this structure to make announcements bearing on the life of the
village. Before the Fon speaks, the gong in front is played for everyone to
assemble. It was a secret place of law and out of bounds for many excerpt well
placed individuals in top traditional circles.
It is
not only a kind of traditional pulpit but also home of the” invisible market
guard”. This structure has been traditionally fortified to be the watchdog of
the market. In the communities where it is found and particularly the market,
it is believed that if you collect what does not belong to you (steal) from any
part of the market, the gods of the land will pursue you with the possibility
of infecting you with a strange disease.
Now 34
years old, a lady recounted to www.hilltopvoices.com how she went to the market
with the mother. She picked money and took home. Two days later she felt very
sick. Remembering that she was in the market months back when the FON cautioned
on the picking of things from the market, she informed the mother who took the
money which she had not use to the shrine basket.
She
concluded that the following morning she went to school as if she was never
sick. Everyone who therefore picks something misplaced in the market is
expected to keep in the basket just before the small fence. And if you misplaced
something in the market you could come back and see it here. Though you are not
allowed to collect without the express permission of the market master, this
structure has remained a major deterrent to those who steal in the market.
Save the Crown notes!
Strangely
enough these traditional market guards are disappearing as it no longer makes
sense to today’s Fons. Save the Crown demands that there be a return to the
core values that make our tradition unique, authentic and revert. To Fons who
have reduced our culture and tradition to dresses and houses, we say stop! The
throne, Crown and Starve of office remain open representation of the conferment
of authority built on honesty and spiritual principles that connect us to our ancestors.
Save The Crown!