1852-1885 Remarkable Archive of Manuscripts on the Deaths of African Slaves or Emancipated Slaves in Cuba

On offer is a remarkable archive of four Cuban government manuscript documents related to the deaths of African slaves (or emancipated slaves) in Cuba between 1852 and 1885. 

Each of the four documents discusses the passing of a different Black man or woman who had been working in Cuba.The first document, dated 1852, reports that the body of a Lucimi [African] slave was found drowned in the reefs. It is signed  by Pedro (Ferrea?) and is stamped by the local municipality. The second document is dated 1853, and reports on the death of Rafaela, a 46-year-old slave from the Macua [African] nation. The note states that Rafaela has not yet received the proper sacrament. It is signed by one Rafael Torres. The third document is dated 1880 and is a longer document of three pages, stamped by the cemetery, indicating that a “black tobacconist” is being buried in the cemetery of Christopher Columbus. He was likely emancipated. It is signed in Havana by (Massino Rodriguez?). The final document is dated 1885, which is a year after slavery was completely abolished in Cuba, meaning that this Black man was likely emancipated at the time of his death. This document reports that José de Orta, of Africa, 90 years old, died, as a poor man. It is signed by Sebastian Ferrero. 

Taken together, this archive demonstrates multiple aspects of Cuban slavery culture. It shows change over time in how African people were referred to in government documentation between 1852 and 1885, as well as indicating how deaths of African slaves and Black men were handled over the years in Cuba. How we treat and discuss our dead in a society says a lot about how we value our people. 

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. 

The documents vary slightly in size, all measuring approximately 6x8 inches. All documents exhibit age toning and some have minor rips, tears and folds. All Spanish language. All overall Fair to Good.