The Centro Cultural de la República El Cabildo (Centre of the Republic El Cabildo) welcomed a delegation from Cameroon in Asunción. Led by Prince Isaac Legrand Yamekue, the delegation visited the institution following the VII Encuentro Latinoamericano de Folclore Paraguay 2026 (7th Latin American Folklore Meeting Paraguay 2026), held from 6 to 11 October. The visit promoted international understanding through traditional objects, historical collections and Cameroonian culture.
Cameroonian art joins El Cabildo’s collection
During the visit, El Cabildo’s director general, Aníbal Saucedo Rodas, welcomed the African delegation. Prince Yamekue presented a traditional staff of authority as a gesture of friendship and respect. The delegation also donated carved masks and other handcrafted objects representing Cameroonian traditions. These contributions will expand the institution’s collection and introduce Paraguayan visitors to artistic expressions from Central Africa.
The donated objects reflect the relationship between traditional art, community customs and cultural memory in Cameroon. Through these pieces, the collection offers opportunities to explore Cameroonian culture beyond the country’s borders. Moreover, the donation creates opportunities to recognise the distinct identities of both countries. The gesture also highlights how artistic objects can connect communities across continents.
Saucedo Rodas welcomed the contribution and emphasised its cultural significance. According to the director, adding the objects expands the heritage protected by El Cabildo. He also highlighted the opportunity to bring African traditions closer to Paraguayan audiences. The donation represents a commitment to friendship and mutual appreciation through art and shared heritage.
A meeting between Africa and Latin America
The delegation’s visit coincided with the VII Encuentro Latinoamericano de Folclore Paraguay 2026, which brought together representatives from different countries between 6 and 11 October. Organised by the Asociación Folclórica Latinoamericana (Latin American Folklore Association), the festival promotes traditional dance, music and other cultural expressions. Cameroon and Senegal represented African participation in the international gathering.
The festival provided a setting for participants to share artistic practices and traditions. Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the role of folklore in preserving collective memory. Visitors could discover different cultural backgrounds through performances and traditional expressions. The gathering also reinforced the importance of Cameroonian culture within international cultural dialogue.
Preserving heritage through cultural connections
Beyond the donation, the delegation toured El Cabildo’s facilities to learn about Paraguay’s historical and artistic heritage. Visitors explored the institution’s collections and learned about its work to preserve and promote the country’s cultural memory. The programme also offered an opportunity to understand how cultural institutions safeguard historical materials for future generations.
As part of the visit, the Cameroonian representatives received books about Paraguayan history from El Cabildo’s bibliographic collection. The gesture complemented the donation of traditional objects and encouraged a two-way exchange of knowledge. Consequently, both countries shared elements of their heritage through tangible cultural materials.
About El Cabildo
El Cabildo operates under Paraguay’s National Congress and plays a role in preserving and promoting national heritage. The visit strengthens its international connections while broadening the traditions represented in its collection. Through initiatives like this, institutions can introduce audiences to Cameroonian culture and other traditions from around the world.
The meeting between Paraguay and Cameroon demonstrates how cultural institutions can build relationships beyond geographical boundaries. By sharing traditional objects, historical resources and knowledge, both delegations contributed to a dialogue between their countries. The addition of Cameroonian crafts also offers Paraguayan audiences another perspective on the artistic diversity represented across Africa and Latin America.
Also read: How Susy Delgado Preserves Paraguay’s Bilingual Soul On Paraguayan Poet Day
