Cassava as Mother and Redeemer

"Cassava is a staple food in Igboland. The cassava tuber is accessible to both the rich and the poor in many parts of Nigeria and Africa. Cassava is planted by women, unlike yam, the 'King of all Crops,' that is planted by men. Every year in Igboland, the New Yam Festival is observed. New yam is not eaten until this festival is performed. But, is there  festival for Cassava? No. In 'Cassava Song,' the many uses of cassava are enumerated to show that she deserves to be celebrated and sung like the yam. In mock heroic style, 'Cassava Song' open with an invocation:

          We thank thee Almighty God
          For giving us Cassava
          We hail thee, Cassava
          The great Cassava

Cassava is personified as a Great Mother, a forgiving mother, more sinned against than sinning. Cassava is given the Divine Redeemer motif; like Christ who goes through suffering, Cassava remains obedient to fire even unto death. Cassava is enthroned above yam and cocoyam--above all other foodstuff. Cassava is woman. Yam is man."

Flora Nwapa, 1992, 94

"Women and Creative Writing in Africa"

in Sisterhood: Feminisms and Power from Africa to the Diaspora, ed. Obioma Nnaemeka, 1998