Shea Butter refers to a fat is extracted from the nut of the shea tree of West Africa. The smooth-skinned nut is about the size of a walnut, and surrounded by a yellow or greenish-black pulp. Shea Butter is used to make margarine and chocolate. According to local lore the walls of the ancient Hausa city of Surame were built of mud mixed with Shea butter. The story goes that Kanta, the Fulani leader, ordered all the conquered Hausa cities to come and help build the walls of Surame. Bida, Kano, Zaria, Ilorin, Bornu and Gwanja all arrived on time. However the people of Nupe were late, and as a punishment Kanta ordered that the mud for their portion of the wall be mixed with shea butter to make it extra hard.