Liberating Lives: A Study on the Rural Practice of Manumission in the Cape Colony, 1825-1830.
Keywords
Loading...
Authors
Issue Date
2023-06-15
Language
en
Document type
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Title
ISSN
Volume
Issue
Startpage
Endpage
DOI
Abstract
This paper examines the differences in manumission patterns between rural and urban districts in the Cape Colony during 1825-1830, focusing on Stellenbosch and Cape Town. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it utilizes descriptive statistics and secondary literature to comprehensively understand the factors influencing the emancipation of enslaved individuals. It explores the political and socio-economic factors that influenced the emancipation of enslaved individuals. While significant reforms occurred in the 1820s, with Ordinance 19 in 1826 leading to increased manumission rates in Cape Town in 1827, this study highlights the need for context-specific analysis in understanding the implications of the ordinance in the rural setting of Stellenbosch. Unique manumission patterns are identified in Stellenbosch, including higher frequencies of manumissions involving children and adults, and prevalent testament-based and 'free gift' emancipations. The study enhances understanding of manumission practices in rural districts, where the reliance on enslavers and the economic context played a greater role.
Description
Citation
Supervisor
Faculty
Faculteit der Letteren