Arrow of God

When the Festival of the Pumpkin Leaves arrives, it appears “that Umuaro had never been more united in all its history” (67). Conflict appears resolved, as no one “would carry poison to a ceremony of purification” (67).

Ugoye, Ezeulu’s younger wife, was hesitant to attend the festival, preferring “to pray for the cleansing of her hut which Oduche had defiled” (67) with his acts. Matefi leaves without her, and she walks to the market with Akueke. The two discuss how Matefi’s “badness whistles” (68) in anger at those around her.

All women arrive to the market with pumpkin leaves in hand, adorned with jewelry that displays their husbands’ wealth. Nwaka’s five wives cause a “big stir” with “enormous rollers of ivory reaching from the ankle almost to the knee” (69). On the side of this scene, Obika discusses his concern, with a friend, that his new wife has not returned since her first visit.

The Ikolo drum, beat by Obiozo Ezikolo, sounds a roll call of all six villages, and people “hurry through their drinking before the arrival of the Chief Priest” (70). The drum beats constantly, calling on important men, but it ends with calling for Ulu, who is “the deity of all Umuaro” (70).