MEET THE DIVINERS
Nggamdu.org presents the work of Bollo Pierre 'Tadios' and other diviners locally practicing in the village of Somié, who will mediate the consultations between spider and participant.
Bollo Pierre 'Tadios' (b. 1966) is a painter and diviner living and practicing in the village of Somié, Cameroon. He is the son of Nyakati François, and nephew of Tam Oumarou who was senior advisor to the village chief in the mid 1980s. Having learnt the practice of nggàm du from his father and uncle, both well known diviners, he has been practicing nggam for most of his adult life. Bollo’s family are connected to the Chief of Somié and he has played a crucial role in village affairs, serving as a forest guard and helping to deter wildlife poaching in the area. Unlike many of his colleagues Bollo does not regularly practice other forms of divination. He knows some other types but prefers to use nggàm dù since it is regarded as the most reliable.
L-R: Day 2 of Women’s Sua. L-R: Sapkeh, Korobon wearing the Chef of Somié’s hat, Bollo Pierre (1998); Bollo Pierre and his late wife (1999); Bollo and his son holding a painted sign related to the village reforestation project; Bollo Pierre painting David Zeitlyn’s portrait (1999)
Wajiri Nafa Jeremié ‘Kung’ (b. ca 1930) is the most senior diviner in the village in 2023, although he is no longer actively divining. He was the Prince Regent in 1976 after chief Mògò, before chief Degah and a senior member of sùàgà bɔ̀ sép (the male masquerade). Up until the last few years, he has continued to serve as a senior advisor to the Chief.
Vu Paul (b. ca 1960) is also a senior member of sùàgà bɔ̀ sép. He was taught divination by Wajirii Bì, the senior elder from Njerep who also initiated Huomnuar David. As of 2023, he is the most senior practitioner who regularly consults ŋgàm dù.
Suop Sylvestre (b. 1984) is the son of Muyna André who was a senior advisor to the chief, and a well know diviner, from whom he learnt ŋgàm dù. He is the youngest diviner currently practicing.
Huomnuar David (b. 1958) was taught ŋgàm dù by Wajirii Bì, the senior elder from Njerep, as well as knowing several other systems of divination. He has published on the history of Somié with Mial Nicodeme and Mbé Charles.
MEET THE DIVINERS
Nggamdu.org presents the work of Bollo Pierre 'Tadios' and other diviners locally practicing in the village of Somié, who will mediate the consultations between spider and participant.
Bollo Pierre 'Tadios' (b. 1966) is a painter and diviner living and practicing in the village of Somié, Cameroon. He is the son of Nyakati François, and nephew of Tam Oumarou who was senior advisor to the village chief in the mid 1980s. Having learnt the practice of nggàm du from his father and uncle, both well known diviners, he has been practicing nggam for most of his adult life. Bollo’s family are connected to the Chief of Somié and he has played a crucial role in village affairs, serving as a forest guard and helping to deter wildlife poaching in the area. Unlike many of his colleagues Bollo does not regularly practice other forms of divination. He knows some other types but prefers to use nggàm dù since it is regarded as the most reliable.