The African history of Africa and the history about Africa will be all the more consistent with truth and reality if it is rewritten by Africans themselves.” This statement from Professor Bingono Bingono, quite well sums up the subject matter of the conference given at the Bia So Mengong festival village, on July 22, 2024. Three main topics were discussed, namely: the Writing Techniques led by Professor Pabe Mongo, successful camerooninan writer and the president of APEC (Association for Cameroonian Poets and Writers); the module on the editorial channel led by Mr Roland Bidias, coordinator of a reading center and a module on the African mask, its manufacture, its use within traditional initiation and the spiritual use of masks. Moderated by Professor Owona Tsama thé conférence received experts liké Mr Eric Iloga, Prince Théophile Tatsitsa and Professor Bingono Bingono.The modules on writing techniques and the publishing circuit allowed participants to immerse themselves in the reality of the book industry with a spot light on how inspiration turns to a piece of work of art till the book’s release in bookshops. Participants also had clues on how the writing and publishing trend walk. It was a unique moment which allowed the different participants to have more information and teaching on a certain number of prejudices. Young writers and all’the participants learned how important it’s, in the waiting process to focus on the concrete priority which is that of creating content and making it available to the public. Writing requires attentive observation, interest in one’s environment and the willing to get started without being frustrated. The occasion was giving to share experience in order to better tackle the problems of the Book industry.
The module on African mask led to the presentation of the clear process of crafting a mask. The African Mask is an education tool and should always be tackled from both its physical and its spiritual aspects. And more that a work of art, masks in Africa.
Participants learned that to truly appreciate the beauty and significance of African masks, it is essential to understand their historical ans social and anthropologic context. Masks have been an integral part of African culture for centuries, deeply rooted in the rituals, traditions, and belief systems of various tribes across the continent. They serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, connecting the wearer and the community with their ancestors, gods, and spirits. The history of African masks is intertwined with the social, religious, and artistic fabric of African societies, providing a window into their rich heritage. In short, masks in Africa are not only works of art. Their aesthetic are all together a quest of beauty and that of a communication within the boundles of the visible.
The conference ended in a recommandation, that of providing the Mengong People and even the southern settlers with a publishing house. Pr Belinga founder of the Belinga Foundation was called upon to implement The idea within his philantropic foundation. But a great problem remains : that of having means for the implementation of this great idea, means of sustainable development.
Preston Kambou
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