It has been 401 years since the first African Americans were brought to colonial Virgina which marked the onset of American Slavery, an era of sheer brutality and viciousness.
The history of slavery in America dates back to the 16th century when 20 captives were brought to America to help build the “New world”. It has been estimated that over 7 million healthy men and women were enslaved and treated like dirt in the 17th and 18th century alone. Most of them were made to work in indigo, rice and tobacco plantations since they were considered as “cheap” labour.
One of the best visual depiction of African American slavery is this small (29.7 cm x 45.4 cm) watercolour painting, commonly known as the “The Old Plantation”. However, there is a lot of ambiguity wrapped around this monumental piece of work because it is unsigned, and not marked with a date and hence is open to a lot of interpretations. Albeit, the most common depiction is plantation slaves dancing and singing in a rural settlement. This painting, after decades, was attributed to John Rose who was himself believed to be a plantation owner and a self-taught artist.
This beautiful work of art which was most likely painted in the 18th century is arguably a perfect illustration of unity and togetherness in times of barbarity and bestiality. The artist depicts a very credible and unbiased view of slaves, though their main activity remains unknown. Many scholars argue that the scene depicted is of a marriage ceremony, while others debate that they are just performing a secular dance native to their homeland. None the less, amidst the terror and intimidation these people found their solace in their roots.
Dancing and singing was believed to have a healing effect on slaves. They paraded on the plantation fields to keep themselves away from sadness and suicide. Enslaved blacks expressed themselves using various forms of arts and education. It helped them breathe. Men usually manufactured musical instruments like Banjos and drums while women handcrafted colourful quilts and baskets to keep their secularism and African spirits alive.
Although this painting compels us into believing that the slaves are “living” through tough times, it is extremely surprising to note that there aren’t any detailed records or visual depictions of slave life in America. This painting makes their world look entirely different from what it was. Survival was tough, and they had to accept a self-denying identity to live. Those who refused to do so were killed, in fact killing a slave was not a crime till 1723. Since they had no rights, they were treated like mere cargo. From being branded with the letter’s of their master’s name to iron hooks being hung around their neck, their sufferings had no ends. To escape from their cruel clutches, slaves had to take drastic steps like suicide, murder and revolts. Very little is known about this appalling era and it is high time that people start exploring the unvarnished truth behind it.
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