EYASU, a new fabric symbolizing Cameroon’s South West Region

The South West Region of Cameroon now has new traditional fabric called ‘EYASU.’

EYASU, which translates to ‘OURS’ was unveiled in September 2023, after eight years of brainstorming. The brains behind the traditional attire came to the realization that the people of the South West Region of Cameroon needed something that gave them a unique identity.

While introducing EYASU, Mrs. Grace Ewang Ngobiesalaka, Former Delegate of Arts Culture in the South West Region, said, “In 2016, Cameroon is hosting the Female AFCON. The South West Region, as one of the hosts, needs to come out as one people with whistles, drums, and xylophones to welcome their guests. The South West people, in their generosity, legendary hospitality, and friendship, need to offer souvenir objects to their prestigious guests with the South West brand. But there is a clear observation. The exhibition stands in the craft sector do not have enough to offer the brand. From here was born the obligation for the South West people to create “OURS” with the six in one.”

EYASU

EYASU which means ‘OURS’ symbolises the Six-In-One (symbol of unity) which constitutes the six divisions of Cameroon’s South West Region. The Divisions include, Fako, Kupe Muanenguba, Lebialem, Manyu, Meme and Ndian.

The South West Region is one of Cameroon’s English-speaking regions. Located in the extreme west of the country, the region is endowed with a rich cultural heritage, natural and human resources.

The fabric which will soon hit all the corners of region, Cameroon and the world at large is fruit of a research proposal conceived by Mme Grace Ewang Ngobiesalaka, and carried out by a wide rage of people.

“The chiefs unanimously intervened to give their people the base for reflection, for research, for the work. Eight years of work with chiefdoms, cultural stakeholders, resource persons, associations, the diaspora through meetings, interviews ,focus groups and WhatsApp groups,…. At least 60 symbols were proposed, each division having at least 10 selected,” explained Mme Ewang Ngobiesalaka.

Like the saying goes that dressing identifies a people, ‘EYASU’ is on course to become the symbol and identity of the people of the South West.

“The six divisions that make up the South West region are known for their very rich cultural, historical and natural sceneries. Only, the participation of the South West region in many national and international events have exacerbated the already existing need for a unifying identity and symbol in the face of other regions and nations,” Mme Ewang Ngobiesalaka, the brain behind the project stated.

How EYASU was conceived

The idea to come up with a unique cultural outfit for the region stermed from the 2016 female Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Cameroon with South West as one of the play grounds.

During the sporting event, the region was found wanting with no unique fabric to show to the world.

During exhibition Grace Ewang said, “The exhibition stands from the craft sector do not have enough to offer with the brand. From here was born the obligation for the South West people to create “OURS” with the six in one.”

“The alarm was raised and The chiefs unanimously intervened to give their people the base for reflection, for research, for the work,” Mme Ewang Ngobiesalaka noted.

EYASU is here to stay!

It took eight years of hard work within chiefdoms, cultural stakeholders, resource persons, associations, the diaspora to come up with EYASU. The brains behind the beautiful fabric held series of meetings, interviews, via WhatsApp groups, zoom during which at least 60 symbols were proposed, with at least 10 selected from each division.

“In an attempt to present the results of this research, which comprised of symbols, patterns, colors, technics, etc. for the use of the general public, it was agreed that only a fabric could be visible. From this point onwards, the created fabric becomes the unifying symbol of ‘the six in one” said Mme Ewang Ngobiesalaka.

The symbol and identity of the South West people beyond its esthetics, plays the role of ambassador of unity, peace, generosity, friendship, scientific research bait, creative compass, cultural and touristic guide. Just like Toghu in the North West Region, EYASU is already being embraced by thousands in the South West Region and across Cameroon.

The first order of fabric was done in June 2023.

This is MMI’s series on culture and tradition. This segment will bring

Cameroon’s untold customs to light and celebrate its uniqueness.

Tata Mbunwe contributed to this piece.