A large number of Beti-Pahuin are involved in lucrative enterprises such as cocoa and
coffee farming. The Beti-Pahuin peoples organised themselves according to a series of
patrilineal kinships, although some of its subgroups seem to have practiced
matriliny in the past. As a consequence of this matrilineal past we can still nowadays see the strong link among the maternal uncle and the nephew. The family (a man, his wife or wives, and his children) forms the backbone of this system. Several families of a common lineage live together in a
village, and in turn, several related villages form a
clan. These clans come under the nominal rule of a chief, who is also traditionally regarded as a religious authority. The majority of the Beti-Pahuin ethnic groups live in small, roadside villages of no more than a few hundred inhabitants. These villages are mostly linear, with houses paralleling the road and backed by forest. The typical dwelling unit is constructed of dried-mud bricks placed onto a bamboo frame and roofed with raffia-palm fronds. In recent times, metal roofing has become increasingly common, and wealthier individuals may construct their homes in concrete. Beti-Pahuin territory also includes a number of sizable towns and cities, most of which were begun by the Germans or French. Here, settlements are more in the European pattern, with a network of streets, various neighborhoods, and central administrative or commercial districts.
Diet Most individuals maintain an
agrarian lifestyle.
Manioc and
maize form the staple crops with
plantains,
yams, and
groundnuts also playing a vital role (in fact, "Ewondo" and/or "Yaoundé" mean "groundnut" and in general the earth). A variety of forest products, such as
greens,
insects,
mushrooms, and various palm products, supplements the diet.
Livestock is limited to small animals that may be left to forage unattended, such as
goats,
pigs, and
chickens. These are typically saved for special occasions such as
funerals or
New Year's Day. Instead, the main source of animal protein during the year, comes from
bushmeat, that is, wild game such as
pangolin,
porcupine, and
monkey brought in by jungle
hunters. Likewise,
fishing is central to the lives of many Beti-Pahuin, particularly in Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe. In addition, a substantial number of Beti-Pahuin are involved in the cocoa plantations that dot the territory of Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Cameroon's south. Most of these are Bulus or Fangs, since their territory contains the largest concentration of plantations. In contrast, the Ewondos farther north often find work as unskilled labor, as their environment is much more urbanized. Many Beti-Pahuin were highly skilled workers in wood, ivory, and
soapstone. They were particularly noted for their lively
masks. == Religion ==