Before talking with other clans members, it is tradition that a Kola nut is split. “He who brings kola brings life.” (pg. 6) When the christians come, the kola nut is no longer broken before important meetings. It is a metaphor for Okonkwo. The kola nut brought life, so when it was no longer used, because the christians do not believe in it, the life has left. When the christians come, Okonkwo's life is no longer important.
Religion is important because it is what kept the clan unified. Everyone in the clan follows the Ibo religion and doesn't ask questions about why they believe and do the religious tasks they do. (Quote) once the Christians come, most people, like okonkwo's son Nyufi questions his own religion. Religion is what caused the clan to fall apart.
The clan starts as one, then splits up. Each of the 9 Ibo tribes celebrate the week of peace. When okonkwo disrupts the week of peace by beating his wife. “ The white man is very cleaver. He came quietly...(pg. 176). The clan won't let the people of the church access to the clay or chalk mines. The clan split up due to the