SLAVE ROOTS
The transatlantic slave trade remains one of the greatest tragedies of world history. This horrific trade in human lives is a sad tale of torture and abuse; and has left countless families all over the world wondering where their true family roots lies, even today. Many nations across Western Africa suffered during these dark days and sadly Guinea is no exception.
In 1446, the first of many Portuguese explorers reached the coast, landing near what is now called Bissau. Although they began exporting slaves to work on the sugar plantation in Southern Portugal as early as 1460, it was not until the 1600s that trading and colonisation really took mass effect as the settlers moved inland in search of gold, ivory, pepper, and ultimately, slaves. In 1630, a “captaincy-general” of Portuguese Guinea was established to administer the territory. With the cooperation of some local tribes – who controlled the flow of slaves to the coast – the Portuguese entered the slave trade and exported large numbers of Africans to the Western Hemisphere.
The Portuguese and the Europeans who followed them to Guinea built forts and castles along the ports to store their goods as well as the acquired slaves. This continued right up until the abolition of slave trade in the 1800s.
Since then, many of these forts and castles were razed or simply fell into disrepair. Towns such as Cacheu became one of the major slave centres and a small fort still stands in the town. This little picturesque fort may show glimpses of its former beauty under its cracked white stone and algae covered walls and yet the most harrowing aspect of this building is the fact that it was even beautiful in the first place – ultimately serving as a ghostly reminder of its past.
Whether you simply wish to reflect upon the past or shed a tear for the sins of humanity; during an historical and cultural heritage tour of Guinea you will be able to visit the remains of the slave trade on the coast in Conakry (Penitentiary Fotoba), Forecaria Dureka, Boka and Boffa and pay your respects in a journey of self-discovery. history within one of the continents best landscapes. Prepare to be sonically overwhelmed as the vibrancy and rhythm of this wondrous nation infects you.