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The life of Olaudah Equiano

Explore the life of Olaudah Equiano, born in Benin, West Africa. Sold into slavery, he endured the Middle Passage. Discover his resilience and the harrowing journey that shaped his life.

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The life of Olaudah Equiano

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  1. The life of Olaudah Equiano Who was Olaudah Equiano? What happened to him? What did he do?

  2. Olaudah was born in the kingdom of Benin, West Africa, in 1745 Where is Benin? Can you find it?

  3. As an adult he wrote down his memories. What do we call this kind of book?

  4. Each family had its own piece of ground, surrounded by a wall Farmed their own animals Had their own chief and wise man The women wore colourful jewelry Cooked in the open They made their own pottery Prepared home grown food

  5. What kind of life did Olaudah have at this time? Was he happy? Or sad? What makes you think this?

  6. Change! • At eleven, he was kidnapped and sold to a goldsmith who he helped to fetch water, and feed his chickens • At first, he missed his mother and family – he refused to eat. After time, he got used to his new life.

  7. Change! • Sold again! Olaudah was taken by traders to a town. • He was bought for 172 white shells • Sold again! Olaudah was bought by a widow who wanted a playmate for her son. • How did he feel?

  8. Change! • He was sold to African traders who took him to the coast of Benin. • Olaudah was sold as a slave – he went on a ship bound for the Caribbean.

  9. Sold for goods! Do you remember what kind of goods?

  10. The journey lasted ten weeks Conditions were cramped, sweaty, hot, and diseased

  11. On deck : ‘White men with horrible red faces and loose hair Below deck : ‘Black people chained together – their faces full of misery and sorrow’

  12. Food • ‘We had nothing to eat but yams thrown amongst us. We had hardly enough to keep us alive’ (A slave quoted by a ship’s surgeon) • ‘The slaves were given clean spoons to eat their breakfasts’ (Captain Crow, 1830)

  13. Keeping clean • ‘We sweated a lot because we were so hot and crowded. The smell of our bodies in the air was terrible’ (Olaudah Equiano, 1756) • ‘Their rooms were cleaned with frankincense and lime juice…they washed their bodies and rubbed them with oil’ (Captain Crow)

  14. Captain Crow Typical slave trader • Why did he claim to keep the slaves fit and healthy?

  15. Reaction of the slaves Rebellion

  16. Many of the negroes refused to eat. I have seen glowing coals put near their lips. They were told they would have to swallow the coals if they did not eat (A ship’s surgeon)

  17. Seeing that the crew were sick, and weak, some slaves planned a revolt. They tore off their chains and attacked our men. When we fired at them, some jumped overboard and drowned themselves. (A sailor on a slave ship)

  18. This journey was called the Middle Passage • How did Olaudah feel at the start of his childhood? • What changed in his life? • Can you imagine the journey he must’ve taken during the Middle Passage? • Was Olaudah’s experience, so far, similar to other children who were sold as slaves?

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