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Olaudah Equiano Tea Towel
Kidnapped from a village in what is now Nigeria, Olaudah Equiano was sold into slavery in Virginia at 11 years old. After spending eight years travelling the world enslaved by a British Royal Navy officer, he eventually bought his own freedom in 1766 for £40 – almost a year’s salary for a teacher.
Equiano then worked as an explorer and merchant for 20 years before settling in England, where he supported other people who had gained their freedom. With encouragement from other abolitionists, Olaudah published his memoirs in 1789, entitled The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. This book – one of the first in Europe by a Black African writer – was an instant success, selling out immediately. It is now considered one of the best non fiction novels in the English language (Guardian 2017)
Through the wealth and platform he gained, Olaudah campaigned as an abolitionist, utilising his voice to help bring an end to slavery. His ability to relate first-hand the horrors of slavery helped sway public opinion, and by 1807 Britain had formally abolished the trade. This tea towel celebrates Equiano’s exceptional life – from start to finish.
Learn more about the great man here at the Equiano Society: https://equiano.uk
Fabric Details
Half Panama unbleached cotton (heavy weight, textured finish). Special inks so colours last in the wash. Stitched on all four sides. Includes hanging loop. Measures approximately 48cm x 70cm.
Machine wash at 40 degrees max. We recommend that before you use your tea towel for the first time you wash it at least once to soften up the material and make it more absorbent for drying dishes. Please note size can vary slightly.
Why it's on The Cornrow?
The Radical Tea Towel company was a great find. They are a company on a mission to promote and celebrate radical and inclusive values and we are all here for it!
All The Cornrow purchases can be beautifully gift wrapped in one of our special wrapping papers for £3 per product. Simply select this option at checkout and we will do the rest.
