Equiano Team Project

 I really enjoyed the Equiano group's project this Thursday and found myself learning many new things about Benin culture that helped me to better understand Equiano and his story. Specifically, many of these things had to do with Benin culture, the hierarchy, and the importance of art. It seems as if art was seen as a way of holding power. Rulers were always portrayed in pieces of art and art would be made for the purpose of trade with other countries. Without it, it seems a huge part of their culture and economy would be lost. They also mentioned how art could only be owned by the highest of social classes, which makes me wonder: who were these artisans? Were they of a higher social class? Or were they forced to give up their pieces without being repaid? To me, it would make more sense if they were the ones in the social class just below the Obas, as they could produce what held so much value to the Benin.