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| Bowl of kola nut; source: www.oraukwu.com |
“Kola nut, oji (Cola acuminata), and
white chalk, nzu, are two of the most
frequently used and
culturally important substances in the Igbo world, and both
figure prominently in initial hospitality ceremonies crucial to the success of
any social or ritual undertaking.
Both substances are regarded as
having ritual power, are sacrifices, and function as facilitators of
communication between men and between men and their gods. The two substances
are different but each is indispensible, and it is difficult to imagine Igbo
like without them.
The cultural preeminence of kola
nut and chalk has inspired the Igbo to devise special containers for their
ceremonial presentation. While these serving dishes are optional and not always
artistically elaborated, the substances are mandatory.
