Kola nut, also known as “the mystery nut of wonder”, is a fascinating and culturally significant nut associated with cultural, social and religious ceremonies in many West African societies. It originates from the kola tree and is native to Africa. It is often used in many traditional ceremonies such as marriages and other social activities. Its significance lies in the various roles it plays in the socio-cultural life of the people.
In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, we see the kola nut play one of these roles, which is the reception of guests. In first chapter of the novel, Unoka, Okonkwo’s father, plays host to his guest Okoye and brings a kola nut for him to break. When Unoka passes the plate containing the kola nut to his guest, Okoye says, “Thank you. He who brings kola brings life. But I think you ought to break it.”
Breaking of kola nut is always the first major item in any traditional and social gathering in many West African countries and communities. Many wonder why this is so. This paper seeks to examine the mystery behind the breaking of kola nuts.
Kola nut is a seed of the kola tree and belongs to the genus Cola, with Cola acuminate and Cola nitida being the most common species. It comes in different colours/sizes ranging from white to yellow and red. The taste is mainly bitter. It has a high level of caffeine content and is a stimulant.
The presence and presentation of kola nut is any gathering sets the pace for every other activity. It creates a sense of acceptance and continuity. Once it is broken and served round, discussions or negotiations can commence. The atmosphere of brotherliness, friendship and cordiality has already been created and the result of any resolution becomes binding by all parties especially in a gathering of negotiation and reconciliation.
It is served or offered to guests as a symbol of welcome and acceptability. It also serve as a unifying element in traditional cultural and social gatherings. It is broken and served in one plate/bowl and everyone takes out of it whether young, old, strong, weak, wise or foolish. It does not discriminate, rather it unifies as it tastes the same in the mouth of everyone that eats it. Its presentation and breaking symbolizes love as enemies cannot present and break kola nut among themselves. For someone to receive/accept kola nut from another person is a sign of love/acceptance and mutual understanding. Kola nut cannot be served in an atmosphere of fear, doubt and distrust. Rather it thrives and flourishes in an atmosphere of peace, love and unity. It brings life to a lifeless gathering as it creates fun and elicits laughter and cordiality. This prompted Okoye’s saying that “he who brings kola brings life”. It lasts long in the mouth of those who know and appreciate its value.
Apart from the above stated values of kola nut, it has some health benefits as it is a good antioxidant rich in polyphenols which help in reducing stress. It also contains theobromine which helps in increasing energy level and improving mood. Lastly, kola nut is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Kola nut extracts are also used in dietary supplement and natural energy products due to its stimulant properties. However, it can result in some adverse health risks if not taken in moderation.
Kola nut plays a remarkable role in the lives of many West African communities bridging the past and present with its unique properties and enduring appeal. The kola nut is indeed a mystery nut of wonders with a rich cultural heritage, impressive health benefits and wide-ranging economic potential.
