Animal skins transformation and development into clothing and decorative items in Ngaoundéré from 1958 to 2021

Accessories are items of clothing added to the main garment to emphasize or modify certain features. They have both a utilitarian and symbolic function, and include objects with a variety of functions: ornamental, conventional. They are made up of various types of ornaments and jewelry. In Ngaoundéré, the use of leather accessories dates back to the eve of Cameroon's independence, coinciding with the creation of the city in 1958. The Adamaoua region, with Ngaoundéré as its capital, is considered to have the largest herd of cattle in Cameroon. As a result, cattle hides play a vital role in the processing of many accessories. The same applies to sheep and goat skins, which are raised in large numbers in the region. The aim of this article is to identify the production techniques used for these items of clothing and decoration, as well as their value-added. The methodology used takes into account oral, written, iconographic, electronic and material sources. Several informants were identified in Ngaoundéré based on their knowledge of the subject. Thus, butchers, hide collectors, tanners, craftsmen, sellers and enthusiasts of hide and leather objects and professionals were interviewed. The beauty of accessories depends on their colors, cuts, materials and patterns. They include shoes, hats, handbags, pendants, bracelets and belts, and are in great demand not only by the local population, but also by foreigners. Beyond their function as clothing, they have many other functions: decorative, military, religious and security. Despite the abundance of cattle and hides collected in Ngaoundéré, the objects made from this material are for the most part manufactured in Maroua and marketed in Ngaoundéré only by resellers. In 2021, they are prey to financial, material and technical difficulties, which are really hampering their growth and the economic and tourist development of Ngaoundéré.