Arts and Livelihood: The Case of Sculpturing and Weaving in Kedjom Chiefdoms in the Western Grassfields of Cameroon

Abstract

Purpose: Arts is a source of livelihood in all societies and one of the major reasons artists produce objects is to sell and raise an income. This paper is on arts and livelihood: the case of sculpturing and weaving in Kedjom chiefdoms. Kedjom is one of the centres of wood carving in the Grassfields with the artists producing all sorts of carvings which include beds, thrones, stools, walking sticks and many more. This trade was regarded by the young people in the past as a job reserved for old people. But today, youths have found out that the trade is lucrative and many of them are currently engaged in it. This paper therefore explores the significance of these economic activities (sculpturing and weaving) in the livelihood of the people in particular and the chiefdom in general. Methodology: Data for this paper was collected using both the qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method was employed through participant observation, in-depth interview, focus group discussions, life histories and photography. The quantitative method was used through the questionnaires. Findings: Weaving in general is an important art in Kedjom chiefdoms and cane basket production in particular is considered the traditional craft of the Kedjom people, a skill that everyone in the chiefdom ought to know. This trade (cane basket activity) is learned free of charge because the missionaries who introduced it to the first persons free of charge. Conclusion: These two domains of art (wood carving and weaving) are income generating activities and the finances obtained from the sales of art objects is used to build houses, send children to school, provide medical services for the family and much more. Recommendation: The people of Kedjom could benefit more if they could create arts’ cooperatives or common initiative groups to market their products. Considering the fact that arts is a source of employment, the government of Cameroon could provide subsidise to the artist to perfect as well as improve on their production.