First Contact (The African Experience)

Prologue  A global village, this is the concept many would apply when trying to describe the current nature of our world. Dynamic in all it's ways from the coming together of various previously existing separate groups or independent geographical ethnicities with diverse cultures, religious beliefs, focus and understanding of life brought together in a common world system which is believed to favor them all, or so it is said. In the world you know today this is what you most likely see as progress. As humans, we are hardwired to only see the benefits of any system that favors us but we hardly take time to look out for demerits of such a system or the sacrifice which was made to establish the foundation on which such world system stands. Indeed just as Plato proved centuries ago with his allegory of the cave ignorance is bliss. However, it is built in an idealistic Utopian world view which at the slightest spark of questionable thought comes crashing down under the weight of reality like a park of cards. It is in the moment of such spark that you realize the harsh truth of life, "someone had to loss for someone to gain". It's like two sides of an even empty scale which at one point seems balanced in a condition of equality until a substance is placed which gives one side the upper hand over the other. All living things seek to survive, secure resources and multiply. It is an unspoken law of nature. Their greatest obstacle are other living things which shares the same objective from the microscopic Ameoba to the ants of the forest floor up to the eagles that soars the sky and definitely mankind. Competition between species favors the survival of beings with advantageous traits and the nature of man always pushes him to acquire more resources in other to satisfy his unquenchable appetite for control. First contact between two previously existing groups of people always creates a state of delimma and uncertainty. At the top of the introduction table they exchanged pleasantries with one hand and smiling faces, but under the table each has a weapon in the other. Immediately diplomacy fails it all comes down to who has the better weapon and who decides to use it first. As a result of earlier preparation for the worst case scenario, the visitor always has the advantage to exploit such a situation. From one lifetime to another i have always experienced a situation of such nature but this time it was completely different and things took a different turn. I am Azulu Ezechukwu of the Nri kingdom my story is one of several lifetimes but every story has a tipping point and this is mine. Chapter 1 The morning sun rises in the east and shines it's bright light on the compound of Eze Nri revealing several huts built in it. At the front of the first hut in a bamboo shade built with palm fronds as it's roof six elderly men are seen sited on wooden chairs in a very quiet and exceptant mood. The pin drop silence is quickly interrupted by the constant tapping of a walking stick on the floor, bia (come) Nwaogu please stop hitting that stick so hard close to me do you want to block my ears said chief Nwafor. Chief Nwaogu takes a sharp glance at him and replys what is it can't you see that am tensed. We are all tensed Nwafor quickly responded but the rest of us are not hitting our walking sticks on the floor as if we are pounding cocoyam. At this point Nwaogu became angry pointing his walking stick at Nwafor he speaks up bia (come) Nwafor, Nwafor leave me alone ooo, let me have my peace, don't point that stick at me again if you are looking for someone's eyes to remove go and remove those of your blind mother Nwafor remarked. At this point Nwaogu got up angrily as he came towards Nwafor with a wrestling posture. Enough, it's okay, keep quiet both of you and Nwaogu sit down and let us remain in communion with the gods as we except the rebirth of the great one, Nwankwo the oldest man among them quickly said looking sternly at the two chiefs Ichie it is because of my respect for you and the sacredness of this hour as we expect the divine one if not Nwaogu said if not okay breathing heavily he sat down still looking furiously at Nwafor. At this point silence was restored. At a long look several servants are seen engaged in various chores, two young maidens are easily spotted sweeping the compound, while three maidens walking at a fast pace entered the compound from the west entrance with clay pots of water fetched from the sacred stream of Nri. Simultaneously two young men carrying a heap of firewood enters the compound from the south entrance taking the wood to the back of the third hut were a couple of maidens are seen cooking and their leader preparing a herbal mixture. This was the palace of Eze Nri handed down over generations from the first Eze of the Nri kingdom. It currently has twelve huts, which acted as living quarters for the priestess and the servants (both male and female), store rooms, and an inn where treatments and healing of sick people who suffered from various ills was done through herbal medicine. The compound has four entrances at the four cardinal points (east, west, north, and south), with two guards stationed at each entrance. The palace was decorated with various works of art from figures of humans to animals and other objects made of gold, bronze, clay and ivory. At the center of the palace was a scared groove or a shrine dedicated to the worship of Nri the patron god of the Nri kingdom. The shrine was covered in white clothes which acted as curtians representing purity, justice and equity which are the three core virtues of the great god Nri. A pot of water sits at the center of the shrine boiling without any source of heat or flames beneath the pot the content is a few cowries and a herbal mixture which produced a white bluish smoke. This smoke symbolises the presence of the deity Nri. The peaceful atmosphere is disrupted by the sudden scream of a woman in labor from the third hut it's okay, it's okay you are doing well, take it easy the child is coming said Ezenwanyi (the priestess of Nri) chioma were are the herds, it's almost ready mother i will bring it quickly, replied the maiden leader behind the hut. I can't, I don't have any strength left to push anymore the woman in labor said faintly, don't say such negative words Ezenwanyi cuts in our chi will give you strength and guide you through this moment of pain, you just have to breath, breath slowly, take the air in and imagine your child already delivered. At this point chioma entered the hut with a pot of herbal liquid which was given to the woman in labor to drink. Okay once more push, the woman pushed again with a loud scream. A few seconds after the tender crying of a baby can be heard. The child is born, it's a male child with the mark of Nri the priestess shouted in joy as the umblical cord was bonding mother and child was separated. Some other maidens came in to help relieve the mother while Ezenwanyi cleaned up the child. Minutes later she came out of the hut with the child in both hands singing songs of praise to the supreme God. The elders immediately came to her and on seeing the child were filled with joy. In such a momoNwaogu and Nwafor who were at each other's throats hugged in laughter. Thanks to the gods they are merciful and wise indeed, the great one is reborn Nwafor shouts in exictment. Our protector has returned to us once more, the great Azulu we hail there Nwankwo camly said as they all bowed their heads in response iseee ( let it be so), he went on, it is well with us. Now our hearts are at peace, the divine one is once more in our midst chief Okorie said with a huge smile on his face, yes ooo replied the other chiefs. Where is that chief guard, what is that his name again Nwankwo tried to remember ehh he said with a smiling face exposing his old set of teeth with several gaps at various sides. Udeh, Udeh he called, immediately the chief guard rushed in genuflecting before the elders and the child as he listened to the instructions of Nwankwo. Go and tell Okete the town crier to pass this message throughout the kingdom from the market place to the village square, the streams, farmlands and in the village, our savior is reborn and as a result of this divine gift from our God's once more, every family is required to prepare and come to this palace and pay him homage for three days, which begins from the next Nkwo market day. After this period of Thanksgiving and homage, there will be a huge feast for seven days in honor of our patron god Nri. Yes Nnanyi Udeh replied as he got up and left swiftly accompanied by two other guards. The elders continued to rejoice. Nwaogu that your palmvwine I hope it's still available Nwafor asked smiling, yes of course my son will get a fresh batch from home now, ehhh they all responded lets merry it calls for celebration. As the elders returned to their siting positions Ezenwanyi took the child to the sacred groove of Nri at the center of the compound to carry out the first initiation rights which marks the rebirth of the demo God Azulu to walk among men once more. Kilometers away from the exictment at the Eze Nri palace a humble hut is seen. A young maiden quickly walks into the Compound carrying a heap of firewood, she heads towards the kitchen located at the left hand side of the compound. A woman is roasting some tubers of yams over a burning flame, while also faning the flames below a clay pot. Mama good morning, my daughter are you back the woman asked yes Mama let me drop the firewood. A couple of minutes later the woman puts some ingredients into a clay pot, where is this girl Amarachi, Amara, yes Mama the maiden answers from behind the hut. What are you still doing there the woman enquired, mama am arranging the firewood, okay hurry up your father will be going to the farm soon to inspect his crops. He has to eat his breakfast before leaving so hurry up and help me out here in the kitchen. Yes Mama I will be with you shortly. A few minutes later Amarachi runs into the kitchen collects the hand fan from her mother, knelt down to examine the extent of the flames, before using her breath to increase the flames while her mother pours palm oil into the pot above. Amarachi took over the position of roasting the yam and picks out those that are good enough for eating. Obidia, Obidia, a manly vioce called out from the hut, Nnanyi the woman replied, the man appears from the hut, is the food not ready yet you know I need to eat before heading out to inspect our farmland at ukwu. Yes my husband am sorry for the delay the food is almost ready Obidia camly said, Amarachi go and get water, some chairs and a stool from the house, okay Mama Amarachi hastly replied as she dashed out of the kitchen to get the items from the hut. At this point three men entered the compound, they are the guards from Eze Nri palace. Good morning Mazi Okete the chief guard said, greetings Udeh Maxi Okete replied looking surprisingly at the guards, what is the reason for this early morning visit, I hope there's no problem. Not at all, all is well Udeh went on we come with good news from the palace. The chosen maiden had given birth immediately Mazi Okete's brightened up with a smile, you mean the divine one had been reborn, yes Mazi replied the chief guard, Obidia cuts in that's good news o, thanks to the gods they have once again given us a precious gift, a piece of themselves to bring joy, peace, happiness and healing to this land. Udeh continued, the council of elders has instructed that you pass the good news throughout the kingdom and also inform the people that from the that from the Nkwo market day they should all come and pay homage to the great one. This period of thanksgiving will last for three days after which there will be a feast for seven days at the palace. Okay that's alright I will do that right away, but there is food here already why don't you sit down and eat with us. Mazi Okete asked in exictment, yes please join us Obidia supported. Thank you for your generosity that isn't necessary we still have some pressing duties to take care of in the palace Udeh replied giving a gesture to the other guards who left let him immediately. Amarachi, Amara Mazi Okete called, yes papa She answered coming out from the hut with some chairs, get me my gong and the small drum by my bedside, okay papa, she quickly with in search for it. Nnanyi at least eat your food so you will have enough strength to pass the message across the kingdom, Obidia said in concern. No woman that won't be necessary am alright just cover the food and take it inside. I will be back before noon. Good news like this can't wait for mere food, I will be fine. Mazi Okete assured Obidia as he took the gong and drum from Amarachi and went out of his compound, initially confused on which of the two routes outside his compound to take but quickly resolved in his heart the direction to take and followed the left route which led to the market square while hitting the gong and shouting at the top of his voice. People of Nri kingdom listen to my voice, rejoice, the great one is reborn. Rejoice, rejoice, the great one is reborn. He continued talking and walking onwards as his voice fades in the distance. The market square of Nri kingdom is located between Okogi and Akwete kindred. It was an amazing site within it's time non can be found near or far to be compared with it in terms of diversity of wares and heirachical arrangement. The market was divided into four key sections. The first section contained several sheds with display of food stuffs of food crops such as rice, cocoyams, yams, maize, beans along side cash crops such as palm oil, cocoa, rubber and so on. These crops were harvested mostly by the Nwere kindred. However their were corps harvested and brought to the market by other kindreds and foriegners.  The second section of the market consist of livestock display. There were domestic animals such as goats, pigs, sheeps, fowls along side fishes and other aquatic animals which were caught by the nets of the gifted fishermen Okogi kindred. Ocassionally the meat and hides of various wide animals such as Tigers, Lions, Elephants, Snakes, Monkeys, Antelopes, and so on are also displayed. These wild animals were brought by skilled hunters of Agba kindred. This men come together to form several guilds which engaged in group hunting for large and dangerous animals in the deep forest of the kingdom. A successful hunt was not only for consumption but also for sale and the hunters who made such regular supplies were seen as great warriors which increased their prestige in the Nri kingdom. The third section contained displays of several works of art ranging from gold, bronze, clay, ivory and raffia palm. The works includes baskets, clay pots, weapons such as Spears, arrows, shields, along side statues. The works were mostly life-sized and breath taking. Some were carvings of animals, men, women, objects and other beings the most revered, recognized and sought after was the statue of the patron god Nri. The Uli kindred produced highly skilled craftsmen and women. This men and women had deep knowledge in the art of weaving, carving, painting, smelting and cooling which increased the artistic beauty of their works and it's worth in the eyes of the buyers. The last section was the clothes display section. This section contained breath taking fabrics most of which are made by the Nri people of the Akwete kindred who are gifted in the art of sewing and dyeing of various beautiful and wonderful fabrics. This was made in several colors, patterns and textures. Other goods were also brought to the Nri market by merchants and traders from far and wide. To put it simple perspective, the Nri market was the envy of various kingdoms near and far because of its display of the wealth of Nri kingdom. People came from various kingdoms to either sell or buy goods in the Nri market on its four key market days which are Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwo. On this fateful day the Eke market was observed. Buyers and sellers were busy in the hangling process to purchase and sell their wares. The hangling process was a beauty craft which anyone skilled in it gets the full value of what they want. The market was extremely noisy as the demand and supply of goods changed hands. The sound of a gong is heard faintly in the distance, gradually getting closer. Mama Nkechi what are saying ehhh, what's the last price for this fish, mama Ijeoma it's eight coweries, ha that is too much ooo please can't I get it for five coweries mama Ijeoma asked still turning the fish from one side to another while comparing it with other fishes on display. No it's that is below the cost price okay just pay seven coweries mama Nkechi insisted. After a few seconds of thought mama Ijeoma agreed but as she reached for her wrapper to bring out the money she suddenly stops, wiat she said did you hear that sound what sound mama Nkechi asked, that is the sound of the sacred gong an important information is about to be passed by the town crier mama Ijeoma answered in a worried tune. At this point Mazi Okete's vioce is heard, people of Nri kingdom listen to the sound of the gong and my voice for I bring good news, rejoice, rejoice for on this day the great one Azulu is reborn. On the Nkwo market day every family of Nri kingdom from the five kindreds of Akwete, Uli, Agba, Nkwere and Okogi are required to come and pay homage to Azulu once more. This period of homage and thanksgivings will last for three days after which a feast will be held for seven days in honor of our patron god Nri and his son the divine one. He who has ears let him hear and pass the message to his neighbors. Mama Nkechi the great one has returned to us mama Ijeoma said happily, yes ooo the other replied. Let me go home and inform my husband here is your money give me my fish bye bye. The town crier walked round the market repeating the same message several times before leaving towards the path of the Uli river were many citizens of Nri kingdom fetched water for their domestic use. Exictment fills the market after the announcement.