Here are my visual memories from my visit to the slave port in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. Actually, this site is just one of the many slave ports on the mainland – there are several more, particularly on the islands off of the eastern coast. The native populace of the region, now present day Tanzania, was a major source of slave labor for centuries.
During colonialism – the first wave nearly a millennium ago, occurred in the form of enslavement by Arab traders, and in more modern times, via the German government. After slavery was abolished, the fortress was still in use, transitioning into an ordinary community market where various food stuffs were sold, including vegetables and other fresh produce.
During my visit, I met artist Mrisho J. Magwamluhe who provided me an intimate look inside the fortress and surrounding areas, the artwork, and the ancient concrete blocks (very different from the modern variety) which remain embedded with rusted shackles and chains. These concrete cylinders, now covered by artwork, were once the auction blocks that slaves stood upon to be sold to the highest bidder.
Mr. Magwamluhe shared with me the story of the struggles facing the artists working at the new Bagamoyo Art Studio. Despite their efforts to transform such a haunting space into a beautiful source of creativity and employment for talented Tanzanians, the Studio remains dusty, undeveloped, and under financed. The artists do what they can with their limited means. Since the artists took over this abandoned space two years ago the Bagamoyo Art Studio is asking for—but has yet to receive— financial support from the Tanzanian government.  |
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