1860 Contrata (Contract) for a Chinese Coolie Labourer in Havana Following Completion of His Primitive Contract, Signed in Chinese

On offer is a fascinating Contrata, being the second contract offered to Chinese coolie labourers after completing their first “primitive” contract. 

This contrata was given to a coolie who had been working in Havana when his initial contract ended in 1860. This contrata is written for Eduardo Echon, age 32 [Note: A Christian name assigned to Chinese coolies when they boarded the ship in Macau. For examples of this, see our collection of coolie ship manifests within the Chinese-Cuban collection]. In this contrata, Eduardo agrees to work for another four years and will work for Mr. Antonio Cabargo beginning December 1, 1860. The contract states very clearly that Eduardo may not stay in Cuba if he does not renew this contract or begin a new contract when this one expires (how will Eduardo get back to China? It would likely be impossible given the immense cost). The remainder of the contract discusses Eduardo’s obligations to his boss, and the boss’ obligation to Eduardo. Eduardo may have to work up to 7 days per week, for 12 hour days, and will be fed meals and allowed to rest when ill. The contract is signed by a member of Havana government, Jose Golon and in Chinese by Eduardo. It is also signed by three witnesses and contains handwritten notes below related to the renewal of the contract, signed by Golon. 

The Chinese coolie trade, a system of indentured labor that targeted young, poor Chinese men, operated from 1847-1874. Throughout this period, African slavery was slowly being abolished around the world. The coolie trade was initiated by Britain and was eventually dominated by both Britain and the United States of America. Chinese coolie laborers were sent to work in British, American and Spanish colonies, and the nature of the trade changed throughout its 27-year operation, due to social and political pressures. The coolie trade took place, in large part, between the shipping port in Macao (now a part of China, then under Portuguese rule) and Havana, Cuba (then under Spanish control). As Macau was under Portugese rule at the time of the coolie trade, they transported coolies on their vessels frequently and many of the documents related to the trade were written in Portuguese and/or Spanish. To learn more about the Chinese coolie trade and its importance in world history, click here to read our in-depth research blog on the topic.

Since Chinese men who came to Cuba from Macau were extremely poor and often remained indebted to the master who purchased their initial primitive contract by the end of their work term, they were more or less forced to accept contratas such as this one. This is a vital piece of history connected to the Chinese coolie trade. 

This contrata measures approx 8.5x12.5 inches. It shows age toning and significant fraying at two edges. It is a single folio leaf, typewritten and filled in ink on the recto and verso. Spanish Language. Overall G.