The Semiotic Function of the Kola Nut in Nigeria

Abstract

Kola nut is a ubiquitous crop that is the most valued, respected and widely used of all foods and cash crops grown in Nigeria. The presence of kola nut at a gathering or the offer of it generates a whirlpool of feelings in the giver and the receiver. In addition to building on existing knowledge of the kola nut, this paper - semiotic in approach and based on many years of empirical study - establishes and elucidates the inherent qualities and contents that make kola nut unique, iconic and symbolic. The paper concludes that kola nut is a great icon of socio-economic, socio-cultural and religious values and thus it enhances national cohesion.