palaver a conference or discussion, as originally between African natives and European explorers or traders.
palm fronds leaves of a palm tree. Here, they are tied together in clusters for "beating the ground" or the legs and feet of the pushing crowd.
pestle a tool, usually club-shaped, used to pound or grind substances in a mortar, or very hard bowl.
plantain a hybrid banana plant that is widely cultivated in the Western Hemisphere.
prophets of Baal Mr. Smith is comparing the pagan worship of the warrior god Baal, mentioned in the Old Testament (I Kings 18) to the Igbo religion. The Israelites saw the worship of Baal as a rival to their worship of God, causing the prophet Elijah to challenge the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
python a very large, nonvenomous snake of Asia, Africa, and Australia, that squeezes its prey to death.
raffia 1) a palm tree of Madagascar, with large, pinnate leaves. 2) fiber from its leaves, used as string or woven into baskets, hats, and so on.
resolute having or showing a fixed, firm purpose; determined; resolved; unwavering.
