Since
the people of Bafut settled in the northwest
part of Cameroon four centuries ago,
the Bafut Palace Complex has played
a central role in the life of their
community. The palace complex, which
serves as the residence of the Fon,
or paramount ruler, as well as a religious
center and venue for traditional ceremonies,
is composed of more than 50 buildings,
many of which are constructed of fired
brick with clay roofing tiles. Among
these are a number of shrines, the most
important of which is the central Achum
shrine, which was built entirely of
wood and bamboo with a thatched roof.
During the German colonial administration
of Cameroon in the early years of the
twentieth century, the complex and the
central shrine were burned to the ground.
The complex was rebuilt in 1907–1910,
and its buildings represent both colonial
influences and indigenous vernacular
architectural styles. The palace complex
retains its original function today,
although its importance as a center
for economic activity has declined in
recent years.
The buildings of Bafut are threatened
by inadequate maintenance. Many of the
fired-brick roof tiles are eroding,
leading to substantial water infiltration
of the buildings, which has damaged
structural timbers. Inadequate drainage
of the site during heavy rains causes
water to pool at the base of many of
the buildings, weakening their foundations.
The enclosure walls of the complex and
central courtyard have also been damaged
or are deteriorating. Inappropriate
conservation measures have also altered
the original appearance of some structures.
Although a lack of funding has prevented
the long-term conservation of the whole
complex, the German government, with
matching funds from the British and
Cameroonian governments, recently restored
the palace guesthouse for reuse as a
museum, while the oil company Pecten
has funded the restoration of the ancestral
shrine. The remaining buildings, however,
are in desperate need of emergency repairs
to arrest further deterioration, including
the installation of a proper drainage
system and the replacement of damaged
roof tiles. The local community has
committed to providing free labor for
the project should support for the restoration
be found.
