In 1910 Gordon sent Ota to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he lived with Gregory Hayes, president of Lynchburg’s Virginia Seminary. While a boy in Africa, Ota’s teeth had been chiseled into sharp points, as part of a traditional Pygmy ritual. Rev. Gordon had Ota’s teeth capped and had him dress in conventional American clothing. While attending school he was tutored in English by the poet Anne Spencer. Eventually Ota got a job working in a tobacco factory.
Ota’s dream was to return to his home in Africa and he believed he was nearing his goal. But when World War I broke out, travel to Africa became impossible and Ota became deeply depressed.
On March 20, 1916, Ota Benga built a ceremonial fire in the woods, broke the caps off his teeth, and killed himself.
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