"The first European penetrated the fastnesses of the Bangwa mountains in 1897. He was Gustav Conrau , a German colonial agent, seeking trading contacts and labour supplies for the southern plantations. He records his impressions of the country with some enthusiasm: the romantic mountain scenery with its narrow cliff paths and wild waterfalls; the imposing lines of the tall Bangwa houses; the quiet dignity of the chiefs and the deceptive subservience of their wives. To celebrate the arrival of their first white man (‘their huge red baby’) dances and ceremonies were performed during which the Bangwa men changed their simple bark-cloth loincloths for extravagant clothes and splendid masks. Conrau admired the works of art which appeared during the dances."