Cape Verde, is an island nation located off the coast of West Africa with a dark history and an extreme role in slavery: the islands were used by Europeans as the key point of slave trading between Africa and the Americas. This intense past marked by slavery also has profound consequences on the culture and psychology of the nation until today…
But let’s start with a brief summary of its history that helps us understand why slavery did not only play a pivotal role in its history, but actually was the foundation of this unique country:
- Cabo Verde was uninhabited until the 15th century (allegedly! read more below), when Portuguese explorers arrived and established a colony. The islands were used as a base for the transatlantic slave trade, and many Africans were forcibly brought to Cabo Verde before being transported to the Americas.
- Cabo Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The country’s first president, Aristides Pereira, led a one-party socialist state until multiparty democracy was established in 1991.
- Cabo Verde has since made significant progress in developing its economy and improving living standards for its citizens. The country has become a hub for tourism and services, and has diversified its economy beyond agriculture and fishing.
- Despite these advancements, Cabo Verde still faces challenges such as high levels of emigration, economic inequality, and vulnerability to climate change. However, the government has launched initiatives to address these issues and continue the country’s development.
Overall, Cabo Verde’s history is marked by its colonial past, struggle for independence, and ongoing efforts to build a prosperous and sustainable future.
Did Cabo Verde have indigenous people?
Officially, Cabo Verde does not have an indigenous population in the traditional sense. Historical records claim that the islands were uninhabited before they were discovered and colonized by Europeans in the 15th century. The first settlers on the islands were primarily Portuguese and African slaves brought to the islands to work on plantations and in other industries.
Historical records suggest that the islands were uninhabited until the arrival of the Portuguese in 1462, who subsequently began to settle the islands and established a slave trade from West Africa. The Portuguese also brought over slaves from other parts of Africa, including the Congo, Angola, and Guinea-Bissau.
As a result of this history, the population of Cape Verde today is a mix of African, European, and other ethnicities, with many individuals identifying as mulatto (mixed race). The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese, although many Cape Verdeans also speak Creole, which is a mix of Portuguese and African languages.
The Bantu People: Were There Natives?
Traditional knowledge about an indigenous population of Cape Verde, prior to the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century is existent: The Bantu People were originally from Central and Southern Africa.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the history and culture of the Bantu people on Cape Verde, and efforts have been made to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage. However, given the lack of written records from the pre-colonial period, much of this history remains undocumented and is based on oral traditions and archaeological evidence.
Overall, while the Bantu people were likely the original inhabitants of Cape Verde, the islands were later settled and colonized by the Portuguese, resulting in a complex mix of ethnic and cultural influences that continue to shape the identity of the islands today.
Genetics of Today’s Population of Cape Verde?
Over time, Cabo Verde developed a unique culture and identity that draws on both African and European influences. The people of Cabo Verde are a mix of African and European ancestry, with some also having roots in other parts of the world, such as Brazil or the Caribbean.
A genetic analysis shows that the islands vary in their genetic heritage, with a range of around 36% to 54% European ancestry (Beleza et al. 2012).
The Role of Cape Verde in Slavery
The history of slavery is a complex and painful one, spanning many centuries and continents. Here is a brief overview of some key events and developments related to the past of slavery:
- Slavery has existed in various forms throughout human history, but the transatlantic slave trade that brought millions of Africans to the Americas and the Caribbean is one of the most well-known examples of slavery. European powers, primarily Portugal, Spain, Britain, France, and the Netherlands, were involved in the slave trade, which began in the 16th century and lasted until the 19th century.
- African slaves were forcibly taken from their homes, often by other Africans who traded them to European slave traders. They were then transported across the Atlantic Ocean in brutal conditions, with many dying during the journey. Cabo Verde has, unfortunately, played a strategic role in it:
- Cabo Verde, like many other countries in the region, played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. The islands were used as a hub for the slave trade, serving as a stopping point for ships traveling between Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
- During the period of the slave trade, Cabo Verde was a colony of Portugal. The Portuguese used the islands as a center for trading goods and slaves, and many Africans were brought to Cabo Verde before being transported to other parts of the world. It is estimated that between the 16th and 19th centuries, around 500,000 slaves passed through Cabo Verde.
- While the people of Cabo Verde did not directly participate in the slave trade, they did play a role in supporting it through their labor and economy.
- The islands were used as a base for the transshipment of goods and slaves and the production of salt, which was an important commodity in the slave trade. Today, Cabo Verde has a diverse population that includes descendants of both enslaved Africans and Portuguese colonizers. The country has recognized the legacy of the slave trade and has taken steps to honor the memory of those who suffered and to promote reconciliation and understanding among different communities.
- For example, the government has established a national day of remembrance for the victims of slavery and has worked with international organizations to preserve and promote cultural heritage related to the slave trade.
Visible Cultural Traces of Slavery in Cabo Verde
The legacy of slavery has had a significant impact on the culture of Cabo Verde. While the country has a diverse population with many cultural influences, the experience of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade have left a lasting imprint on Cabo Verdean society.
One of the most visible effects of slavery on Cabo Verdean culture is the strong influence of African music and dance. Many of the traditional musical styles of Cabo Verde, such as funana and batuque, have roots in West African rhythms and were developed by enslaved Africans on the islands. These musical styles have since evolved and become an important part of Cabo Verdean culture, with many artists and musicians continuing to draw inspiration from them.
The experience of slavery has also influenced the religious beliefs and practices of Cabo Verdeans. Many people in the country practice a blend of African animism and Catholicism, which reflects the syncretic religious practices that emerged during the colonial period. The Catholic Church was the main institution that provided support for enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade, and many enslaved people adopted Catholicism as a way to retain some of their own cultural traditions while also seeking protection and support from the church.
Slavery’s Impact on Cultural Psychology
Cultures that have been based on slavery can have significant psychological effects on individuals and communities. Slavery and the transatlantic slave trade were not only forms of economic exploitation, but also forms of violence and trauma that have had lasting psychological impacts.
One of the most significant psychological effects of slavery is intergenerational trauma. The trauma experienced by enslaved people can be passed down through generations, resulting in feelings of powerlessness, anger, and shame. This can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Slavery-based cultures can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and negative attitudes towards certain groups of people, particularly those who are descended from enslaved people. This can lead to ongoing discrimination and marginalization, as well as internalized feelings of inferiority and self-doubt.
At the same time, cultures that have been shaped by slavery can also be sources of strength and resilience. Many communities have developed unique cultural practices and traditions that reflect their history and identity, and these can provide a sense of connection and belonging for individuals and groups who have experienced marginalization and discrimination.
It is important to recognize the psychological effects of cultures based on slavery and to work towards healing and reconciliation. This requires acknowledging the trauma and harm caused by slavery, promoting social justice and equality, and providing support and resources for individuals and communities affected by intergenerational trauma.
