The Kwifoa Secret Society

Abstract

The tradition of male–female role distribution and assumption, extending beyond the framework of family structure, can also be traced at the community level in the tribal kingdoms of Northwest Cameroon. That its roots reach far back into the past is evidenced by the still not only existing but actively functioning male (Kwifoa) and female (Ke-fab) societies, which fulfil spiritual roles and refer to themselves as secret societies. The men’s secret society is primarily tasked with maintaining contact with the spirit world.