the economy was largely agricultural, and slave owning was practiced on a small scale. the bamum kingdom also traded with neighboring populations. they imported salt, iron, beads, cotton goods and copper objects. the main economic activity in foumban as of today is tourism and agriculture which is largely subsistence. thousands of tourist visit this ancient city to take a look at the remains of arts and cultural display of the kings of this historic town. the streets are decorated with artistic designed but much more is the palace which protrudes and imposes at the center of the city. its centrality symbolizes an era where the kings represents the nerve center of the entire community. artwork is the major source of income and many rely on it for their living. there is an art market, a tourist center and a museum called musée des arts et des traditions bamoun.