The Cultural and Spiritual Importance of Nzu the Sacred Chalk in Igbo Traditional Spiritual practice, Odinala and Omenala

Nzu known to the Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria is a white clay that is excavated from the clay soil. This white clay is also known as Kaolin as well as Calabash Chalk. It is known as Orhue by the Edos, and Efun is known by the Yorubas.

The Ìgbòs believe that the earth (ani) is the root of every creation. This is why the Ìgbòs, pray and bless the earth with Nzu whilst making reverence to Ani/ Mother Earth.