Afo-A-Nto'o embroidered boubou dress (Afritudes)

The Afo-A-Nto'o embroidered boubou dress draws inspiration from the rich royal iconography, heritage textiles, and intricate artisanal embroidery traditions of Cameroon and West African regalia.

The Afo-A-Nto'o, which means thing from the Palace, is the foremost symbol of the Kom people of the

Northwest Region of Cameroon. It symbolizes "royal authority and the promise of continued succession”.

In 1966, the Afo-A-Nto'o was stolen from its sacred grove at Laikom (the seat of the Kom people,

where the Foyn resides) by one of the princes.

With trafficking of African traditional art, the statue was taken to the United States of America.

 

The Kom people believe that the Afo-A-Nto'o possesses mystical powers and that shortly after

it arrived in the US it began disturbing its new owners by destroying everything around it. 

Its new owner took it and threw it into the sea but only to get back home and see the Afo-A-Nto'o. He sold it to a New York art gallery where it was recognized. Funds were raised to purchase the stolen statue back from the art gallery.

                  

During the reception of the statue in Yaounde, Ahidjo (First President of Cameroon) suggested to the

Fon that it should be kept in the National Museum in Yaounde, but the Fon replied that if the President can provide enough space in Yaounde for him to go and bring the Kom people to stay with it there, then he would accept the president's proposal. 

                

Seeing that Kom and the Afo-A-Nto'o were inseparable, the president made it possible for the statue to be taken back to its habitual residence at Laikom where it is put on display annually for the Kom people.

If you are interested kindly write to minsangicameroon@gmail.com