During my visit to Benin in October, seeing a tata up close was high on my to-do list. A tata is a traditional Otammari house. Tatas are made primarily of mud and resemble castles, with curved walls, two stories and a maze-like system of rooms and passages inside. I have read that in the days of the slave-trade, tatas provided protection for the Otammari people who barricaded themselves inside with their animals and enough food and water for several days.

I got my chance near the end of my stay when we visited Boukoumbe, one of the larger towns in northwest Benin. We were allowed to visit the tata belonging to the in-laws of Tianati Hyacinthe, the lay missionary working there. They showed us through the whole structure, and we climbed onto the roof where they gave us an explanation of all the elements of the tata. I was fascinated and took lots of pictures.

Outside, I asked if I could photograph the old man who owned the tata. He made it very clear with hand motions and through an interpreter that I could not. He explained that if I took his picture, when he dies and goes to his ancestors, they would not allow him to join them because a part of him would be missing. I’ve heard of people who believe having their picture taken means their soul is taken away, but hearing this was still a shock. There is still much spiritual darkness in Otammari-land, and we long to be in Benin and be used by God to help dispel that darkness.

• Twitter