INITIATION ISLAND: The power of trees
They are believed to produce both positive and negative effects, depending on what they are used for
By Clarice TARKANG
An expanse of nature at its wildest state as far as the eye can see, the sound of birds chirping to their heart's content, insects buzzing pass, this part of the forest holds a special attachment for the people of Akono. Set on a huge stretch of marshy land is an island with numerous varieties of trees and other plants that have contributed in giving the region a peculiar touch - a place where nature is sacred!
Situated on what is considered a 'shrine' by many is a group of different trees that stand out in their entire splendor and dwarfing all others in the vicinity. According to the villagers, they are not planted or sown. They just sprout out of the soil and only their young grow next to them. They do not bear fruits and are believed to possess different powers. The trees never rot and have remained standing for ages. Judging from the uncountable machete cuts that can be observed on them, it is quite safe to say the villagers have been relentless in their pursuit of these 'powers'.
Myth
In an area where tradition plays an important role, these trees have almost gained the status of 'gods'. Amongst them is the 'Abor-zok' which stands majestic. A literal translation means 'the tree with the power to kill an elephant!' It is used to gain positions of authority in different domains, ranging from politics to marital affairs. All that is required to do is to chew a piece of the bland tasting bark and make a wish in the process. According to the villagers, your heart's desire will be granted a short while later.
Some meters away is the 'Abing'. it is used to exert some sort of control on the victim, and thereby preventing one from being forced to do what they do not want. As the locals explained, it works on the thought process. The bitter bark is ground and put in food. Story has it that many young women who did not want to be victims of forced marriages resorted to it in order to exert pressure either on their parents or their potential husbands. It is also used to ward of evil spirits.
Another tree which stands out is the 'Elon'. It is used to establish the truth during a confusing situation. Everybody in the gathering is asked to chew a piece of the plant and the guilty person develops a protruding belly about an hour later. It is believed that he/she has been punished by the ancestors for lying.
The 'Essingan' on its part is used by traditional rulers or those in positions of authority when they want to address people in a crowd. A touch of a chip of the bark before the meeting begins is all the ruler needs to do. It procures a feeling of superiority and of boldness and makes people listen even if they don't want to.
Culture in action
The African tradition has always had a special place in the heart of its people, no matter the country. Akono is no different. The arrival of the catholic mission and with it Christianity does not seem to have done much to take them away form what they have always believed in. Initiation Island has been the site to get the people acquainted with ancestral rites and rituals. Be they positive or negative, they hold the same attraction for the inhabitants even today.
Whatever the case may be, this rich cultural heritage is one of the peculiarities of Akono sub division. The question arises as to why these 'powers' have not been used by the population to get the area out of its near slumber state and boost economic growth. Nonetheless, Akono will remain in the minds of many as a place where tradition and modernity cohabit in peaceful co-existence.
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