The Bamiléké people believe in the importance of keeping a good relationship with their ancestors. Usually the head of the family preserves the ancestral skulls in a special place, often a little house built specifically for this purpose. Sacrifices and offerings of food, drink, salt and oil are brought to them. The ancestors are consulted for advice in prayers and may respond through a sign or a dream. Ancestors are responsible for the well being of their descendants.
Ancestral spirits are embodied in the skulls of the deceased ancestors. The skulls are usually cared for by the eldest living male in each family. When a family decides to move, a dwelling, which must be first purified by a diviner, is built to house the skulls in the new location. Although not all of the ancestral skulls may be in the possession of a family, the spirits are not forgotten. Without a "house" these spirits have nowhere to reside and may cause trouble so the family often creates a place for them.
"If we stand tall it is because we stand on the backs of those who came before us."
-African Proverb
Sacred
place to keep ancestor's spirits
