Cultural Information

TYPES OF KOLA-NUT AND THEIR PURPOSES

1.) ỌJị OGBI

This kind of Kola-nut comes without cotyledon (Oji gbara otu). In Igbo tradition it's not eatable ("asi na ogbara atata").

2.) ỌJị KUCHARA AKA

Is Kola-nut with two cotyledons (Oji gbara abuo). It's usually for disposing of ritual sacrifices (Oji eji ebupu aja).

3.) ỌJị IKENGA

Kola-nut with three cotyledons (Oji gbara ato). It's used for prayers to the spirit of IKENGA. In Igboland, every man is supposed to have his Ikenga together with his Chi alter instituted.

4.) ỌJị IGBO

Kola-nut with four cotyledons (Oji gbara ano). This Kola-nut represents the four market days of Igboland, namely Eke, Orie, Afo, and Nkwo. It's generally accepted for prayers to the Gods.

5.) ỌJị GBARA ISE

Kola-nut with five cotyledons (Oji gbara ise). Oji Uba means your prayers have been answered.

6.) ỌJi GBARA ISII

Kola-nut with six cotyledons (Oji gbara isii). When you come across such kola-nut, take one out of the six, cast out all negative activities in your life and throw it away, then come back for the remaining five; your prayers are answered.

7.) ỌJị OMUMU

Kola-nut with seven cotyledons (Oji gbara asaa). Whenever you break a Kola-nut and find out that it has up to seven cotyledons, it calls for merriment! You have to kill a fowl, cook food, and enjoy it with people around you because it's a sign of good things coming to you.

8.) ỌJị UGO (ỌJị Ndi Mmiri)

This kind of Kola-nut is used by water people and it comes in different cotyledons. It serves best for Marine works.

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