Kola Nut

Things Fall Apart is a story in the setting of Africa. The text uses many African terms as well as the native African traditions and customs. Although the author was quite detailed in describing the method of each customs, he did not go in depths explaining all the significances of the tools and materials used in those customs. The author seems to try to let the readers figure the significances out on their own instead of giving it away all at once. For example, from the start of the story, the author mentioned the use of the kola nut (Chapter One, Page Six) but he did not explain the meaning behind the breaking of the kola nut, which leaves the readers confused. I brushed it aside at first, deciding that it was an insignificant matter. But as I read on, I observed that whenever a guest comes over to one’s house, there was always the practice of breaking the kola nut. This led me to assume that the breaking of kola nut is a common practice for whenever guests come over.

“In Things Fall Apart by Achibe, the kola nut had special significance in Nigeria. It was used as a gesture of peace, friendship and hospitality. It was offered to guests when they entered a house. The use of kola nuts symbolized everything that was civilized and peaceful in their world. (This was in sharp comparison to the white men's ways later in the novel.) It can be compared to the traditional Indian peace pipe or the religious idea of breaking bread.”

From: http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Sundjata/Kola_Nut.html