Yaoundé Central Market: Spices, Fabric & Local Commerce
The Marché Central in Yaoundé is one of Central Africa's most atmospheric markets — a covered labyrinth of stalls selling djansang spice, bitter kola, wax-print fabric, and dried caterpillars
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Spice and spice stand
Yaoundé's market spice section sells djansang (wild mango seed), mbongo (charred bark for stew), spring onion and bush pepper – the aromatic backbone of Cameroonian cuisine
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Dried larval section
Edible caterpillars dried over wood smoke are a luxury food in southern Cameroon — the caterpillar section of the market sells several species per cup to be reconstituted in pots
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Wax Print Fabric Seller
Ankara fabric in bold geometric and floral patterns sold by the meter — Yaoundé women who sew their own clothes spend Saturday mornings choosing patterns at these stalls
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Bitter Kola and Traditional Medicine
The bitter kola nut – offered as a sign of welcome and hospitality – is sold alongside bark, roots and leaves from the traditional pharmacy in the market's medicine section
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Fresh Produce Mountain
Plantains, cassava, coconut, garden eggs and paprika – the ingredients of Cameroonian cuisine – piled high on the ground by women farmers who walked hours from their gardens
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Readymade Garment Tailors
Dozens of tailors with pedal-powered machines work inside the market — a customer can choose fabric in the morning and return to pick up a finished dress in the afternoon