| Musgum Mud Huts | |
|---|---|
Tolek | |
 Musgum huts in the shape of a shell in Far North province, Cameroon | |
| Alternative names | French: Cases Obus |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Beehive house |
| Country | Cameroon |
| Current tenants | Villagers |
| Cost | Low cost |
| Owner | Musgum people |
| Height | 9 m (30 ft) |
Musgum mud huts or Musgum dwelling units are traditional domestic structures built of mud by the ethnic Musgum people in the Maga sub-division, Mayo-Danay division, Far North Province in Cameroon. (Musgum also is spelled as Moosgoum.)[1] Referred to in Munjuk as Tolek, the dwellings are built in a variety of shapes, such as tall domed or conical dwellings or huts, some with a reverse-V shape, and others with geometric designs.[2]
Toleks are an example of earth structures. Of simple design, they are constructed of mud, thatch, and water by local residents using few tools. Resembling the shape of beehives or shells, they are also known as "cases obus" (granate houses).[3] They are adobe structures, a variant of cob, and are in the catenary arch form, which can bear maximum weight with the minimum use of building materials.[4] The dwellings also are described as "beehive type" because of their dome shape. They are considered to be an important architectural style of Cameroon, although not in fashion in the present day.[5]
- ^ Noble, Allen G. (15 September 2007). Traditional Buildings: A Global Survey of Structural Forms and Cultural Functions. I.B.Tauris. pp. 85–. ISBN 978-1-84511-305-6. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
- ^ Nelson, Steven (2007). From Cameroon to Paris: Mousgoum Architecture In and Out of Africa. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-57183-6.
- ^ "Musgum dwelling unit". Designboom.com. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- ^ "Homes inspired by shells and other natural forms." Natural Homes Organization. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- ^ DeLancey, Mark Dike; Mbuh, Rebecca; Delancey, Mark W. (3 May 2010). Historical Dictionary of the Republic of Cameroon. Scarecrow Press. pp. 41–. ISBN 978-0-8108-7399-5. Retrieved 7 February 2013.