Shrine Two

Shrine Two and Beyond

Shrine Two is decorated as is the first shrine. Here we met the auger and ritual practitioner. He asked us to pay a token fee as a symbol of sacrifice. Otisi then spoke to us.

Second shrine entrance; twins are not allowed beyond this point

"Previously we have not allowed visitors. But as our kinfolk with whom we a group ownership of this place, we shall allow you. We are pleased to know that they (pointing to the tour guide who is a representative of the Aro Cabinet) understand. When you leave, we shall return to make the necessary sacrifice that (Chukwu Abiama) requires."

After that, Kanu spoke: "At this check point, we never allowed twins to cross this point in those days. And as at now, twins when they are on consultation, they have perform certain rituals before they enter this stream. If such rituals are not performed, they cross the stream at their own risk. But for now, as we are just on visit, there is no problem. Second shrine entrance; twins are not allowed beyond this point I am trying to explain these things so that when you are documenting, you know what you are documenting. Like I told you, you will find streams here and there (in this cave), but I have shown you the major stream. You wouldn't believe that this one also goes to join the other one somewhere there.

"Now we are crossing this checkpoint and getting to the real juju or the real Ibin Ukpabi (SHRINE). I will to take this chance to tell you why the whites called it Long Juju. Now as you see it here, there are no less seven other points (in Arochukwu), where you will see caves (CAVE SHRINES or ORACLES of the Ibin Ukpabi) like this. They are not all exactly like this. But they are part of this. This is the major one. If you have time, we would take you to those points (where the cave shrines or oracles of Ibin Ukpabi are). But it can't happen today."

We cross the stream and begin hiking up to the oracle of Ibin Ukpabi. From the hilltop gushes some kind of spring water. Piercing through the loud sound of the rushing waterfall, we hear bell ringing and oracular verses and incantations. The oracular verses become clear as we get closer. It is the voice of Chief Otisi chanting, "Okuku no na akpa avu nkwo, ndi afia abiana o" ("The hen, which from inside a bag see the hawk, traders have come"). At the front gate of the Ibin Ukpabi oracle there is a certain point, decorated like the previous checkpoints or shrines. We were asked to walk backwards through a dark tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, we turned. Before us was the Oracle of Ibin Ukpabi. Entering the Oracular Shrine of Ibin Ukpabi

Entering the Oracular Shrine of Ibin Ukpabi

Located further in are the Inner temple of Chukwu Abiama The Shrine of Ibin Ukpabi in the Temple Complex

and the Throne of Judgment. To the left, as you face the Oracle of Ibin Ukpabi, is the Altar (the kitchen area) where the sacrificial animal and elements are cooked.

The Oracular Shrine of Ibin Ukpabi in the Cave Temple Complex

Pictures taken at the Iyi Eke

Chief priest making incantations to Chukwu Abiama in the Temple (left)

Tortoise shell and other shrine objects; the chief priest is making incantations (right)

Kanu interjects:
"Those who do not know say it is a deceptive trick.

Now they have seen it and know it is not a deception.

Let anyone who wants wealth accumulate wealth.

Let anyone who wants gray hair live long to gray."

We then entered the Holiest of this Holy Place: the PRESENCE of Chukwu Abiama. Darkness surrounded us, and the great voice of the waterfall drowned out human voices. Chief Kanu, the tour guide, speaks at the top of his voice.

"We are now making the last sacrifice. This is the real Chukwu Abiama. It has exited from time immemorial. Nobody alive can tell you when this place started. It has been like this. There has been no change. This is the place where people came to get their judgment. All condemned people never went back. They disappeared from this point. People who were found righteous that is not guilty went this way."

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