A treasure trove of historical records has been made available online, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of enslaved people in Mauritius. The archives, which span from 1813 to 1840, comprise nearly four million documents and 300,000 digitized pages. These records provide a detailed account of the transatlantic slave trade, slave censuses, manumission, and complaints filed by enslaved individuals. According to historian Satyendra Peerthum, the documents reveal a diverse population of enslaved people, primarily from Mozambique, but also from Ethiopia, the Comoros, West Africa, and the interior of East Africa.
The registers contain a wealth of information on the enslaved population, including personal data, marriages, families, and occupations. They also provide insight into the stratification of slave society and the physical characteristics of enslaved individuals, such as scars on their bodies. Approximately 70,000 enslaved people were identified in the records, with around 6,000 having been introduced illegally to the island. The documents also highlight the role of slave owners, with around 5,000 to 6,000 individuals owning slaves in Mauritius, Rodrigues, and dependencies.
The records offer a unique perspective on the lives of enslaved people, including their working conditions, daily lives, and struggles. For instance, the protector of slaves in Mauritius recorded complaints from enslaved individuals in 1829, and many were able to purchase their freedom. Between 1829 and 1839, around 60% of women who bought their freedom were former slaves, while 40% of men were domestic workers, laundry workers, or skilled laborers. The documents also reveal the presence of free people of color, Indians, and former slaves who became slave owners.
The geographic distribution of enslaved people in Mauritius is also well-documented, with Port-Louis being a major hub, followed by Rivière-du-Rempart, Pamplemousses, and Flacq. The analysis of these records by historians Anthony J. Barker, Richard Allen, Vijaya Teeluck, and Satyendra Peerthum shows that between 1825 and 1835, around 5,000 enslaved people working in domestic settings in Port-Louis were relocated to sugar cane fields and factories.
The records also provide insight into the demographic challenges faced by the enslaved population, with high mortality rates and low birth rates. It is estimated that only 30% of enslaved people were born in Mauritius, with the transatlantic slave trade playing a significant role in maintaining the population. The documents also highlight the agency of enslaved people, who were able to make decisions, form families, and file complaints against their owners.
One of the most significant aspects of these records is their ability to reconstruct family histories and individual trajectories. As Richard Allen noted, the documents demonstrate that enslaved people existed, lived, and had a social and economic life. They also show that the written accounts of slave owners and planters do not tell the whole story, and that enslaved people had their own history.
The digitization of these records has made it possible for researchers and the public to access this valuable information. According to Satyendra Peerthum, the records serve as a testament to the lives of enslaved people, who were able to exercise agency and make decisions despite the harsh conditions of slavery. The study of these records continues to provide new insights into the complex history of Mauritius and the transatlantic slave trade.
Key points
- The registers contain information on 70,000 enslaved people in Mauritius, including personal data, occupations, and family relationships.
- The records reveal a diverse population of enslaved people, primarily from Mozambique, but also from Ethiopia, the Comoros, West Africa, and the interior of East Africa.
- The documents provide insight into the agency of enslaved people, who were able to make decisions, form families, and file complaints against their owners.
