Trade has been an integral part of Yoruba culture for centuries. The Yoruba people were known for their extensive trading networks which spanned across West Africa and beyond. They traded in a variety of goods, including textiles, beads and precious metals. However, what made Yoruba trade unique was their hybrid form of trade which combined elements of both local and long-distance trade. 

The mural acknowledges the Ivory trade, one of the earliest forms of wealth extraction from West Africa, particularly Nigeria. This trade fuelled the prosperity of many London businesses, some with roots in Elephant and Castle.

The ivory trade was characterised by the commercial trade in the ivory tusks of Elephants and other animals in West Africa. Though the ivory trade has been banned, it led to the emergence of new goods and trading practices which were influenced by both local and external factors. For example, the use of cowrie shells as currency in Yoruba trade was a result of their interaction with Arab traders who introduced them to the shells.