Kolanut and Symbolismic Universe: Towards the Creation and Constitution of Igbo Science and Arts

Abstract

The versatility of the Igbo kola nut (cola acuminata - Oji Igbo) perhaps till date exudes universal symbolismic appeal which is unrivaled throughout the Igbo socio-religious cosmology. In many respects, considering that the contributions of many civilizations as can still be found in many ways in today’s evolutionary science and art were products of peoples’ life and culture; the Igbo kola nut perhaps portends an untapped potential capable of influencing and inventing her own science and arts. Against this backdrop, this study explored the cosmology of the communion of the Igbo kola nut as a valuable symbolismic substance towards the creation and constitution of the Igbo science and arts. The study considered the associated cultural embedded values in the communion of the Igbo kola nut as true of a distinct science and of an evolutionary art. Its (Oji Igbo) universal symbolismic appeal especially in understanding the interrelatedness of physical, psychological and spiritual principles that govern the material and the immaterial world can help man’s daily communal living and adaptation to his prevailing physical and spiritual environment. If further exploited to the fullest, the communion of Oji Igbo can engineer indigenous science and art capable of utilizing its humanistic essence to restore value to a fast degenerating evolution of our society.