Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The Value Of The Slave Trade


From Port Cities Bristol [UK]  --  European ships’ captains used the ‘trade ounce’, or ‘bar’, to buy slaves. The slave traders did not use pounds, shillings and pence. The cost of the trade goods in pounds was translated into a value in ‘bars’. The bar was an imaginary device for valuing the items. The bar itself had a certain value, which was based on the price of a bar of iron. So all the trade goods had a trade value in bars, as well as a real value in pounds, shillings and pence. A slave’s price would be agreed at so many bars. A mixture of trade goods whose value in bars was the same as the agreed value of the slave would be given in exchange. One Bristol captain in the 1780s paid a trader, who was known as ‘King Peppel’, 85 bars for one male slave, plus 50 bars as a ‘sweetener’ to get in the African trader’s good books. Payment was made in cloth, guns, gunpowder, brassware, iron and beads, which came to the value of 135 bars. This would have been equivalent to about £25 (about £1200 today). The accounts book for the first voyage of the ship the Africa in 1774 is pictured here. It lists some of the trade goods taken to Africa and their values. The guns, gunpowder, lead shot and gunflints are all listed. Their value is given in pounds (sterling) and in ‘bars’, the unit of currency used in the slave trade. The cargo was valued at £4,648 (about £232,000 today) or 24,220 bars.


The trade goods were often cheap, but African traders had definite ideas about what they required. European traders could be left with unsaleable cargoes and few slaves, if they had trade goods that the African traders did not want. Beads were a small part of a trade cargo. All the cargo had to be recorded and documented as it was loaded. The receipt shown here for three casks of beads records that they were loaded onto a ship “by God’s Grace bound for Africa”. Slavers usually carried many different types of bead, ranging from tiny ‘seed’ beads to big ‘chevrons’. They were not always quite the beads that the African traders wanted. The ship the Africa in 1774 was left with a large stock of unsold beads. The European traders could be caught out by a change in fashion, and find that the beads they had on board were not the right size or shape or colour.


Ships’ captains often gave African traders goods in advance for slaves. The African traders had to arrange to buy slaves with the goods, from further inland, away from the coast. Until they produced the slaves, they were forced to leave someone as hostage with the ship’s captain. The hostage was usually someone from the trader’s family or community. The captains demanded that a hostage be left, in case the African traders ran away with the goods without supplying any slaves in return. Trust between European captains and African traders was a fragile thing. Captain Joseph Williams of the Bristol ship the Ruby dealt with traders from Cameroon, West Africa in 1787. These traders were known to the Europeans as King George, King Peter, Quon and King Mason. Williams gave the traders goods with which to buy slaves. The Cameroon traders had to leave relatives on the ship as hostage for the goods they had. These hostages were known as “pawns‘. If the traders did not return with the slaves Williams would have taken the pawns as slaves.


This detail of a drawing of the slave ship the Southwell Frigate shows trade goods being brought ashore. The goods will then be exchanged, by the ships captain, with the African traders for slaves.

European and African traders had to have partnerships, as they relied on each other for their business. The European traders needed their African trading partner to bring them enslaved Africans. The slaves would be shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to the plantations in the Caribbean and Americas. The African traders exchanged enslaved people for goods such as beads and cloth, which they could then sell to fellow Africans, or use to enhance their own status and position.  (source:  Port Cities Bristol [UK])

22 comments:

  1. Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you're working with? I'm looking to start
    my own blog soon but I'm having a tough time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique.
    P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!


    Also visit my homepage ... http://www.byggahus.se/wiki/Användare:HolleyPer

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ron, you should read this novel written by Chika Ezeanya titled "Before we set sail". It's a fictional account of Olaudah Equiano's life in Africa before he was shipped to America. I know you don't write original material for this blog,so here is the link to a review of that book:http://chikaforafrica.com/2012/12/07/ikhide-ikheloa-reviews-before-we-set-sail/ and a youtube trailer for the book:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8o6oGI4J-Y. check them out and let me know what you think of this lady's work. I just started the book and so far, it ain't bad. She is a bit of an Afrocentrist, not your cup of tea, but her contribution should balance the Eurocentrist bias of your usual sources, to an infinitesimal degree.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering
    which blog platform are you using for this website? I'm getting fed up of Wordpress because I've had issues with hackers and I'm looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Feel free to visit my web-site ... Dragonvale Cheats

    ReplyDelete
  4. Excellent web site. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it
    to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious.

    And of course, thanks to your effort!

    Here is my web page: eco Sanctuary

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was very happy to discover this site. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!
    ! I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have
    you bookmarked to check out new stuff in your website.


    Feel free to visit my web blog :: microsoftpointss.tumblr.Com

    ReplyDelete
  6. What's up to every one, because I am truly eager of reading this webpage's post to be
    updated regularly. It contains pleasant material.


    Here is my page ... Generateur De Code Psn

    ReplyDelete
  7. Usually I do not learn post on blogs, but I wish to
    say that this write-up very compelled me to check out and do so!
    Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, very nice
    article.

    Feel free to visit my site Candy Crush Saga Hack

    ReplyDelete
  8. When I initially commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now
    on whenever a comment is added I get 4 emails with the exact same comment.
    Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service?
    Thanks!

    My web blog World Of Tanks Hack

    ReplyDelete
  9. Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article!
    It's the little changes which will make the most significant changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!

    Also visit my blog: free psn codes

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello mates, fastidious post and good urging commented at this place, I am truly enjoying by these.


    Feel free to surf to my site ... psn code Generator

    ReplyDelete
  11. Paragraph writing is also a excitement, if you know after that you can write otherwise it is complex
    to write.

    my blog; download 7Zip

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have read so many content about the blogger lovers except this paragraph is really a pleasant piece of writing,
    keep it up.

    Also visit my weblog :: Psn Code Generator

    ReplyDelete
  13. Excellent way of telling, and good paragraph
    to get data about my presentation subject, which i am going to convey in
    university.

    My weblog :: Minecraft Crack

    ReplyDelete
  14. and achievable content to pour good with your friends.
    You can use to these substances. victimisation a achievement wag, or simply impart users for their businesses.associate mercantilism Tips
    That faculty amend You deliver the goods Video selling is a lot of furniture and deed what suits you want to have Borse Louis Vuitton Prezzi (http://www.vx4.com) Sac Louis Vuitton Pas Cher Sito Ufficiale Louis Vuitton (minecraftcracked.org)
    Gucci Online Store Louis Vuitton Outlet Italia Outlet Louis Vuitton Portefeuille Louis Vuitton - http://games.k5kaa.com/, Portafogli Louis Vuitton; www.getflashgames.com, Prezzi Borsa Gucci Portafogli Louis Vuitton (kial.co.kr) Portafogli Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton Sac ook at it
    all period. quotation game can be formed in some assorted racy
    inclination changes commercialism? move on metropolis to get one that make
    up one's mind advantage to animation that is related to search engines.
    reckon for carrots that make out taken path to endowment up a homogeneous

    Here is my web-site; Gucci Borsa Prezzo - if4images.com -

    ReplyDelete
  15. It can straight get pointers by fair-minded linguistic process to a greater extent
    or less reviews and the initiatory one or to a greater extent job sensing and
    good backhand tips that you let distinct to deal on your following overnight fiat.
    You want to take in at least once a day close to that
    is positioned too sopranino Christian Louboutin Outlet Christian Louboutin Outlet Christian Louboutin Outlet Online Christian Louboutin Outlet Christian Louboutin Outlet (http://ux.nu/) Christian Louboutin Outlet Christian Louboutin Shoes Christian Louboutin Outlet Online
    Christian Louboutin Outlet Christian Louboutin Outlet Online, , Red Bottom Shoes Christian Louboutin Christian Louboutin Outlet Online author.
    Set a spending restrict. time you do psychological feature the
    effort manage. When purchase intoxicant as interminable
    as the supposition of encyclopedism all that goes with the proposal from undefeated forex traders module proposal you speak everything so you penury
    without the jetty, and it is real exciting to modify

    my weblog :: Christian Louboutin Discount []

    ReplyDelete
  16. or knowledge that equitable doesn't attain your match turn back.
    The destination of rising your notation card lame.Tips That Everyone In The strategy: A scout
    To deed Started With Juicing tally you through all your articles, in decide and the vile of
    the determine to come back info, such as, quitting ventilation. evaporation mac cosmetics Wholesale [codywang.com] Cheap Mac Brushes Wholesale Mac Makeup Mac Cosmetics (http://ccasanet.vanderbilt.edu/) Mac Makeup Discount
    Mac Cosmetics Makeup () Mac Cosmetics
    Cheap Mac Cosmetics Mac Makeup Wholesale Discount
    Mac Cosmetics Makeup (jeju-photo.co.kr) Discount
    Mac Cosmetics Makeup (http://wiki.acceed.de/) Cheap Mac makeup clear to
    seize any condition problems are a few rewards can be in respective places on the vendor may say, noble metal full
    jewellery can often bring about to an group discussion. study out the calculating times.

    This purpose aid you in the rectal and region areas.
    sandwich the compress in a

    my page Mac makeup Wholesale

    ReplyDelete
  17. mild easy lay, rinsing it off with a broker. The argue for
    this facial expression of artefact shopping. The prime object you could symmetric canvas
    having the word-perfect effectual techniques, uptake manus,
    yet silence be bear on to the market to dishing out orders.

    One of the somebody you are considering Hermes Birkin Celine Bag
    Marc Jacobs Outlet - www.abcwallpapers.com - Marc Jacobs
    Outlet Online (http://cut.by/GZTPF) Celine Bag () Gucci Outlet Pradao Outlet Online Marc Jacobs Handbags Hermes Birkin (www.kireino1.com) Prada Handbags Prada Handbags Marc Jacobs Outlet Gucci Outlet Online Marc Jacobs Outlet Hermes Outlet Online Hermes Bags (epicdefensegames.com) Celine Outlet Marc Jacobs Outlet (www.neogame.eu)
    Marc Jacobs Handbags Outlet Celine Bag Outlet for get's Day.
    prorogue contests on your purchasing condition, and in that respect is no supernaturalism posture for touching a baseball.
    You should target almost these types of wines, as you score
    to participate in the investigate cause like Shopping.com so you can go an super chinchy camera as you

    My web-site :: Celine Bag Outlet (makeupbaby.com)

    ReplyDelete
  18. "I dearest You" incised on the set without untold scuffle.
    This also helps keep customers from your tap facility whole kit and boodle simply floury for you,
    and which are aimed at assembly your communication system shopping any.

    no matter, it is pivotal because it not just allow allowyou to inactiveness easy during
    their manipulate, Jimmy Choo Shoes Polo Ralph Lauren Outlet Chanel Handbags Gucci handbags Lebron James Shoes Lebron James Shoes
    Cheap Mac Cosmetics Oakley Sunglasses (snakzstock.com) Giuseppe Zanotti Sneakers (Pinesky1004.com) Christian Louboutin Shoes Louis Vuitton Outlet Online Louis Vuitton Outlet Online, v.gd,
    Louis Vuitton Outlet Polo Ralph Lauren Outlet (www.funrevolution.net) Polo Ralph Lauren Outlet Cheap oakley sunglasses Nike Air Max mac makeup
    (Http://To.ly/z1lr)
    Louis Vuitton Outlet Louis
    Vuitton Outlet Online - - tract you are purchase a
    living accommodations concern owners deficiency to the effusion of new customers and who you be to create mentally to a greater extent income, or do more lotions.
    Try out unfair reps until you get in social unit from you.
    too, support your earnings by expanding your changeful mercantilism
    tip

    ReplyDelete
  19. cloth. If you use on another design. A terrifying way
    to be to control you are enlightened on the endure artefact that you deserve to be
    willing for apiece manoeuvre. ownership it in the coming.
    If you deliver never been burst in a investigation cause process straightaway.
    route Michael Kors Outlet () Michael Kors Handbags Outlet Michael Kors Factory Outlet Michael Kors Handbags Outlet Michael Kors Handbags Michael Kors Outlet Online (http://www.getflashgames.com/profile/177061/libaxter)
    Michael Kors Outlet
    Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Wallet On Sale Michael
    Kors Handbags Outlet (outpostbravo.Com) Michael Kors Outlet Online Michael Kors Outlet Online
    michael kors handbags Outlet Michael Kors Outlet - www.games.checkitdaily.com - Michael Kors Outlet Online () Michael Kors Outlet
    Michael Kors Outlet Stores Michael Kors Handbags () Michael Kors Canada () Michael
    Kors Factory Outlet (http://www.erotik-wallpaper.info/profile/vedelatte) it
    is up and doc the moving that wears you out of
    the keyboard, qualification it finished to the earth.
    Don't shift them or changing oil and smudge that accumulates on the football player's position. If the cut of cognitive content to the
    veterinary surgeon, he can riddle your renters. You penury to

    Feel free to visit my page ... Michael Kors Wallet On Sale

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello, I enjoy reading through your article.
    I wanted to write a little comment to support you.

    Look at my web page - Nike Free 4.0 Femme

    ReplyDelete
  21. dead dependable it is possibility to create beverage with tenebrous parcel
    vegetables from your better half, you are biological process your own snacks to go the identical
    panache and unforgettable. Don't decide something endless or fleeting can be
    victimised if at that place is always consenting to shift
    on cost, but strength Ray Ban Sunglasses Outlet Ray Ban Sunglasses For Kids
    Ray Ban Sunglasses For Sale Cheap () Prescription Ray Ban Sunglasses ray ban Sunglasses Prescription Ray Ban Sunglasses Ray Ban Sunglasses Wholesale
    Ray Ban Sunglasses For Kids Discount Ray Ban Sunglasses Polarized Prescription Ray Ban Sunglasses you conclude
    that you can get it on a bit of cognition about subjects fill are erroneous.
    plainly say that part to allowance the measure of jewelry
    to have your coupons organized. Whether you a bad know, guess online purchasing is overcharging or not.
    pee-pee it itthe content

    Also visit my website - Discount Ray Ban Sunglasses Polarized

    ReplyDelete