Factories’ of enslaved people on the African coast Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was the role of the surgeon in the slave purchasing process?
Enslaved people were examined by a surgeon and those judged fit were purchased by the factory owners.
This examination determined the health and fitness of the captives for labor.
How were purchased captives classified?
Purchased captives were assessed and divided into first and second class.
This classification was based on their physical condition and age.
What criteria were used to grade captives as first class?
Captives who were strong and under the age of 35 were graded as first class.
Strength and age were key factors in determining the value of enslaved individuals.
What characteristics classified captives as second class?
Weaker captives with poor teeth and eyesight and older than 35 were graded as second class.
These factors indicated a lower potential for labor.
What method was used to prevent the switching of fit enslaved people?
Those passed as fit were branded on the chest with a hot iron.
This branding marked them as suitable for purchase and labor.
Where were purchased enslaved people kept until transportation?
The purchased enslaved people were kept locked up in the slave factory’s cells or compounds.
This confinement was meant to secure them until a slave ship arrived.
What were the conditions like in slave factories?
Conditions in slave factories were very poor. Enslaved people were fed bananas and beans, and were kept underground and chained.
This environment contributed to the suffering of enslaved individuals.
How long could enslaved people be held in factories?
Enslaved people could be held in factories for months at a time.
Prolonged confinement increased the risk of disease.
What was a common issue faced by enslaved people in factories?
Disease was very common.
The poor living conditions contributed to the spread of illness.
What percentage of those enslaved in factories died before transportation in the 1770s?
Almost half of those enslaved in factories died before transportation.
This high mortality rate highlights the brutal conditions faced by enslaved individuals.
