1880 Manuscript Death Certificate by a Cuban Physician Caring for an Emancipated Black Slave in Cuba

On offer is a beautifully preserved example of a medical death certificate created for an emancipated African labourer in Cuba. 

Using his personal “Doctor-Surgeon” letterhead, Dr. Juan Brunet Turne writes a medical certificate indicating that he visited “Plantation Conchita” owned by D. Juan Levin, assessed an emancipated black slave (“liberta”) named Maria, age 79, from Africa. He notes that she died on this date at 12:00 noon of “consumcion natural” (natural consumption). The certificate is dated and signed by Dr. Brunet on September 13, 1880. 

This document is an important piece of the puzzle that was African labour in Cuba during the slow process of abolition of slavery, which was not completed until six years after Maria’s death. This is also a fascinating piece of 19th century medical history, offering insight into the administrative tasks of a Cuban physician when caring for emancipated slaves at time of death.

Cuba had a great need for inexpensive labour to support their sugar industry. While America and Britain signed a treaty in 1814 to abolish the African slave trade, it took many years for complete global abolition. The African slave trade was not ended in Cuba until 1886, despite it being formally abolished in 1867 (Yun & Laremont, 2001). During the Chinese coolie trade (1847-1874) African slaves often worked alongside Chinese indentured labourers. 

This medical certificate measures approx 8.5x6.5 inches. It is one folio leaf folded in half creating two full pages. The writing is on the recto of the first page. It is in very good condition exhibiting age toning, and is otherwise in great shape. Spanish language. VG.