Daughters of the Trade: Atlantic Slavers and Interracial Marriage on the Gold Coast (The Early Modern Americas)
$27.28
Description
Book Synopsis: Severine Brock's first language was Ga, yet it was not surprising when, in 1842, she married Edward Carstensen. He was the last governor of Christiansborg, the fort that, in the eighteenth century, had been the center of Danish slave trading in West Africa. She was the descendant of Ga-speaking women who had married Danish merchants and traders. Their marriage would have been familiar to Gold Coast traders going back nearly 150 years. In Daughters of the Trade, Pernille Ipsen follows five generations of marriages between African women and Danish men, revealing how interracial marriage created a Euro-African hybrid culture specifically adapted to the Atlantic slave trade.
Although interracial marriage was prohibited in European colonies throughout the Atlantic world, in Gold Coast slave-trading towns it became a recognized and respected custom. Cassare, or "keeping house," gave European men the support of African women and their kin, which was essential for their survival and success, while African families made alliances with European traders and secured the legitimacy of their offspring by making the unions official.
For many years, Euro-African families lived in close proximity to the violence of the slave trade. Sheltered by their Danish names and connections, they grew wealthy and influential. But their powerful position on the Gold Coast did not extend to the broader Atlantic world, where the link between blackness and slavery grew stronger, and where Euro-African descent did not guarantee privilege. By the time Severine Brock married Edward Carstensen, their world had changed. Daughters of the Trade uncovers the vital role interracial marriage played in the coastal slave trade, the production of racial difference, and the increasing stratification of the early modern Atlantic world.
Details
Looking for a captivating read that delves into the fascinating history of interracial marriage on the Gold Coast? Look no further than "Daughters of the Trade: Atlantic Slavers and Interracial Marriage on the Gold Coast" by Pernille Ipsen. This thought-provoking book takes you on a journey through five generations of marriages between African women and Danish men, uncovering the Euro-African hybrid culture that arose during the Atlantic slave trade. With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Ipsen sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history that shaped societies and left a lasting impact.
What sets "Daughters of the Trade" apart is its exploration of how interracial marriage defied societal norms and became a recognized custom in Gold Coast slave-trading towns. Discover the incredible resilience of Euro-African families as they navigated the complexities of their identities and strived for success in a world torn by violence. Ipsen skillfully illustrates the trials and triumphs these families experienced, providing a unique perspective on the dynamics of power, wealth, and privilege during this transformative period in history.
Through Ipsen's vivid storytelling, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between blackness, slavery, and the early modern Atlantic world. "Daughters of the Trade" explores the nuances of Euro-African descent and its impact on the broader societal landscape. You'll witness the evolution of identity and the challenges these families faced as the world around them changed.
If you're drawn to historical narratives that challenge conventional wisdom and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human experiences, "Daughters of the Trade" is an absolute must-read. Immerse yourself in this gripping account of interracial marriage, cultural adaptation, and the enduring legacy left behind in the Atlantic slave trade.
Ready to explore the captivating world of "Daughters of the Trade"? Click here to get your copy and embark on a transformative journey through history.
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