SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 5

Chapter 5 focuses entirely on the tense confrontation between  Achiebefuo and his First Man, Ngobefuo.

After the news of the theft, Ngobefuo, who is the leader of the Elders’ Council, avoids Achiebefuo. However, they eventually have a meeting.

The dialogue is hostile. Ngobefuo informs Achiebefuo that “all fingers are pointing at you.” Achiebefuo is deeply hurt that Ngobefuo, who knows him very well, also suspects him. He asks: “But as somebody who knows me very well, where is your own finger pointing?”

Ngobefuo replies coldly: “I said all fingers are pointing at Achiebefuo. If my own was pointing at some other person I should have said so. I am not talking with water in my mouth.”

This chapter shows Achiebefuo becoming isolated. The people believe only he, as a carver, could have such skills to make a replica of their god.