Makaa people

Maka

Maka woman with panier on the way to her fields.
Total population
Total: 89,500 (1987-8)[1]
Regions with significant populations
Cameroon
Languages
Byep, Makaa
Religion
Christian, traditional religions
Related ethnic groups
Bajwe, Bakwele, Bekol, Benkonjo, Bomwali, Konabembe, Mabi, Mbimu, Ngumba, Njem, Nzime, Sso

The Maka or Makaa are a Bantu ethnic group inhabiting the southern rain forest zone of Cameroon. They live primarily in the northern portions of the Upper Nyong division of Cameroon's East Province. Major Maka settlements include Abong-Mbang, Doumé, and Nguélémendouka. Some Maka villages lie over the border into the Centre Province, as well.

Most Maka speak a language known as Maka or South Maka, which had an estimated 80,000 speakers in 1987. In the north of Maka territory, speakers use a related language known as Byep, or North Maka. Byep had an estimated 9,500 speakers in 1988. Though they consider themselves a single people, Maka dialects serve as a form of identity as well. The main dialects are Maka are Bebent (Bebende, Biken, Bewil, Bemina), Mbwaanz, and Sekunda. Byep has two dialects, Byep and Besep (Besha, Bindafum).