Culture

Using the categorisation of Hein et al. (2022), we took an initial inventory of the site’s tangible and intangible water heritage. Nzulezo was directly related to all icons, signifying the undeniable link of Nzulezo to water. 

Tangible
Nzulezo exhibits 10/10 of the intangible water heritage elements.

Drinking - The lake/river is the major source of freshwater so there is no infrastructure or system built to bring water to people’s homes. Water is already at their doorstep so all they have to do is fetch the water with their buckets, bowls, cups and hands. There was an attempt to bring piped water to the community but they refused it and the pipe is disused. Modernity and tourism has brought bottled and sachet water to some homes who can afford it but it is also sold in the few convenience shops within the community.

Transport - The lake/river, smaller rivers, swamp and artificial canal is the only means of transporting people and goods to the site. This is manifested in the use of traditional canoes and now motorised canoes that are mainly used by churches and tourists. The new boats have disrupted the ecosystem in that alligators and pythons are now scared off by the sounds. 
• See video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGZc6Q8peJh/?igsh=MTNkZ2prNnBpd29zcg==

Places of Worship - Although there are churches, the traditional religion is linked to water. The people believe in and worship Amanzulley (that's the River god). This shrine is also a stilt structure standing on its own at the foreground of the community. Nzulezo also has a natural crocodile pond called Meander located about 10 minutes away from the Community. It is believed that these crocodiles are sacred and that part of the river is extremely clean and clear with no leaves falling down in the pond.

Intangible
Nzulezo exhibits 10/10 of the intangible water heritage elements.

Language and Idioms - Water is heard in the Nzema language (the local language spoken by the community), specifically in the name of  the village ‘Nzulezo’ which means ‘surface of water.’

Rites and Rituals - Purification rites occur on the lake where animals are sacrificed and libation is poured into the river. This is what is believed to keep the source clean and safe for consumption. There are two gods for the village: the snail that led them to the location, delivering them from the torment of oppressors and the lake/river itself which allowed them to stay and watches over/protects them. All other rites of passage (birth, puberty, marriage, death) occur on the water. For funerals, the coffin is transported on a single canoe with one rider to the cemetery on land, followed by other canoes with grieving families and close friends.

Music, Arts and Dance - Within the community itself there was not mentioned manifestations of performing arts related to the water environment and lifestyle. However, national artist(e)s do not leave out Nzulezo. There are films, songs, photo shoots that feature the community/site.

*Information source: Carlien Donkor, through observations and informal conversations with some people from Nzulezo. Special thanks to Frederick Yankey and Frank Ezo Blay from the Nzulezo Stilt Village Tourism Project office, who were vital sources of information and helped clarify the text.

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