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In Bamileke culture like most Negro – Egyptian speakers utilize the leopard skin as symbolism in our heritage.
The paper states
“The leopard is known as one of the most wild and dangerous animal on the earthly space because ofits ferocity. During our research, we were told that during their initiation to the lah’kam (secret society of the chief initiation in the Bamilékéland), they receive among other totems the leopard, and it is also an element that justifies the presence of the leopard’s skin in nearly all the areas of cult or sacred areas in the Bamilékéland. The presence of the leopard’s skin during funerals consistsof affirming the power that the deceased benefited. The aim here is therefore to show this power through the leopard’s skin that is waved throughout the ceremony, which participates to his introduction to the rank of ancestors and thus the power he will use to protect, bless and helps his close ones. Let us clarify that the leopard is not the only animal of totemic category, there are many others.” (pg. 10)
Link: https://www.ephjournal.org/index.php/hss/article/view/1693/982
(Photo:Panther skin during funerals). ” EPH – International Journal of Humanities and Social Science ISSN: 2208-2174 Volume-6 | Issue-5 | May, 202010
