Olaudah Equaino
Chapter one of Olaudah Equaino presents a glimpse of the 18th century culture and way of living in a typical African village. In the initial chapter, Equaino demonstrated a reserved behavior, by humbly citing that his narrative was not intended to call attention to himself. However, he also expressed that he felt more favored by God compared to other Africans, which leads him to acknowledge how the Divine had been so merciful of him throughout his life. Consequently, his narrative was a demonstration of his high hopes to be able to help in promoting “the interest of humanity”. He specifically referred to the slave trade in the initial chapter, and this reference puts the reader into a certain perspective about the challenges faced by a typical African villager Equaino’s part of Africa. Nevertheless, chapter one of the author’s narrative also demonstrated the culture and way of living that were unique to the people of his village.
Culture and Established Laws
It is interesting to note that the African villages, particularly the Eboe village from which Equiano belonged, have a well-established laws and manner of government. This fact was presented in Equiano’s narrative by writing about Eboe, which was the district from which he belonged. This district has its laws and rules that govern the people, and the Embrence, on the chief men of the village were given the task to decide on disputes and confer punishment to offenders. The people have a high regard towards a peaceful society, as the decision of the Embrence was respected and must be obeyed. Moreover, they were mostly just and civil in bestowing judgement to offenders. For example, even a son of one among the chief men cannot be spared from punishment when caught for committing a crime. In another instance, a woman who must be punished with death for committing adultery was spared on account of her child.
Culture and Marriage
Equiano’s narrative presents a discussion of the system of marriage in his village. He wrote how women were held to a much higher standard compared to men, which means that his district was largely a patriarchal society. The family tradition, especially those that relate to marriage laws were firmly enforced. Being the son of one among the district leaders, Equiano had closely observed the disparity in the treatment between men and women. That is, while marriage laws were applicable to both the husband and wife, it was the former who often bear the blunt of the stern family laws. For example, after the marriage ceremonies, the wife was considered as a property that belong solely to her husband.
Culture and Arts
The people in Equaino’s district had their distinct art and culture. For instance, he wrote about how dancing had played a significant part of their culture. His people loved dancing, which is an integral part of many important occasions throughout the kingdom. One can say that the African people were artistic for developed a system for their dancing where the dancers were separated into four different assemblies representing the important aspect of their way of living. The rich culture of Eboe was revealed in Equiano’s writings when he claimed that they are a nation of people love dancing, music and poems. Most of the talents reveal their art on every possible occasion such as the triumph from war, as well as other causes that called for a celebration.
Despite their rich culture, the people of Eboe lived a simple way of living, as there was nothing luxurious in terms of their clothings and abodes. They lived a simple life and considered perfumes and alcohol as luxuries. Their main source of livelihood was agriculture, and this suit the rich soil within the kingdom. Further, Equaino conceded that slavery was also present in his district, but only for the prisoners of war and to punish offenders.
In reading through his narrative, one realizes that the Eboen’s were highly religious people and have their own set of beliefs that were either similar or different from others. Just like most tribes, they believed in the existence of one Being who created all things. Moreover, while Equaino had not heard about the teachings on eternity, there were many of his people who believed in the concept of the soul’s transmigration. Equaino further explained that part of their religious belief was the need to stay clean at all times. For them, cleanliness was a habit that was an integral part of their religious beliefs and practices, and this calls to the adherence to washing and purification rituals.
Similarity with Historical Portrayals
The culture of the African people as described in Equano’s narrative were rich, distinct and remarkable. Consequently, they are largely similar to the portrayal of African culture and tradition in most historical films and literatures. For example, Equano wrote about his people’s belief in one Creator, yet they also worship other beings or objects in their environment. In many movies and historical portrayals, African people were depicted to have their own religion, though they also worship many gods.
Further, the highly patriarchal society in Africa is commonly demonstrated in many films and literatures. In history books, there were many authors who presented how women were considered as next in rank to men in the society. That is, they are considered as property who must serve the men in their lives in the most pleasing way possible.
