Traditional Ethics and A People’s Culture: Igbo Kola Nut as A Source of Inspiration For 3d Sculpture and Theatrical Performance

Abstract

The paper talked about the kola nut celebration in Nigeria and was particular about how the kola nut was celebrated at Umunze, in Orumba South local government area, Anambra State. It is an accepted traditional cultural practice and one of Igbo’s most cherished and sacred practices. The activity is unified and of the same pattern. The research explored, concretized and created an art piece, holding strongly to the various areas of visual arts and performance art. It also hinges on practice based resrech method, using materials like polyester resin to create 3-dimnsional sculpture, which has proven to last over time and also withstood harsh weathering conditions, even though the said art piece was not meant to be displayed outdoor. The problem of the study is the lack of documentation and preservation, cultural practices that are widely accepted or recognised. The paper highlights and asks pertinent questions as to how this 3-dimensional art piece could be achieved when armed with the basic creative knowledge and concept. The findings highlighted how important the numerical strength, the number ‘seven’ is to an Umunze person and how it is cherished even though the significance of other numbers was also mentioned, taking into account the symbolic meanings of the said numbers, notwithstanding that the study centered on how the artistic creation shaped, directed and enriched the rich culture of a people, the creative piece could also generate revenue if properly appropriated.