The Musgum, an ethnic group in far north province in Cameroon, create their tall conical dwellings from compressed sun-dried mud. Called Cases Obos, the profile of the structure is that of a catenary arch— the ideal mathematical form to bear a maximum weight ?with minimal material.
The relief pattern on the surface is a built-in scaffolding that can support the body to allow for maintenance of the structure by the re-application of mud to the surface.