Info For You Lot Elmina (Edina) People: The Source Africans To Have Europeans Inwards Westward Africa As Well As Their Annual Bakatue Festival
Elmina is also known equally "La Mina" past times the Portuguese as well as "Edina" past times its native Fantes (or assimilated Guans) is an of import line-fishing town as well as the uppercase of the Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem District on the southward coast of South Republic of Ghana inwards the Central Region. This ancient of import port as well as trading town is situated exactly on a south-facing bay on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Ghana, 12 km (7.5 mi) westward of Cape Coast.
Elmina Omanhen Nana Kodwo Conduah IV wearing white inwards his palaquin
The traditional hollo of Elmina is ’Anomansa’, pregnant "inexhaustible provide of water." It refers to the tributary of the Kakom as well as Suruwi rivers, upon which according to local historical tradition the founder of the town, Kwaa Amankwa, stumbled during a hunting expedition.
Benya lagoon port inwards Elmina. This scene should tell y'all why the Dutch love it here.
Elmina is the first off European settlement inwards West Africa. Elmina has a population of 33,576 people. It was originally a Guan settlement that has been swallowed past times Fante people as well as at nowadays regard themselves equally total blooded Fantes. Elmina which is the first off town inwards West Africa to have Europeans has from the 14th century changed hands betwixt the Portuguese, the Dutch as well as the British. During the transfer of the ownership of Dutch possession inwards Elmina as well as Gold Coast to the British inwards 1872, an Elmina native
George Emil Emisang, the first off Western educated lawyer inwards the Gold Coast as well as an potency on aboriginal police push clit of the Gold Coast, facilitated the transaction. This a serious genius, Emisang was made a Commander inwards Elmina in 1 trial the British had bought Elmina, but the locals mistrusted the situationand he relocated to Cape Coast.
Elmina people recounts that the Portuguese explorers who first off visited their ground took some Elmina sailors to the town of Moguer (in Huelva, Andalusia, Spain). Local Elmina history claim the 3 sailors include a homo after named Nino who sired iv famous crewman children. The children were Pedro Alonso, Francisco, Juan as well as 1 other Niño. The most famous was the navigator, Pedro Alonso Nino also known equally El Negro (the Black). The iv Niño brothers became sailors with prestige as well as experience inwards Atlantic journeys before playing a distinguished portion inwards Columbus's first off voyage to the New World. Their friendship with the Pinzón Brothers, as well as especially with the oldest of them, MartÃn Alonso Pinzón, influenced their participation inwards Columbus's project. The participation of the Pinzón Brothers inwards the Columbian enterprise was the key to overcoming the doubts alongside the region's sailors; the aid of the Niño Brothers made it possible to defeat the opposition alongside the men of Moguer to taking on an enterprise of uncertain outcome.
On Columbus's first off voyage, Pedro Alonso Niño was airplane pilot of the Santa MarÃa, Juan Niño was original of La Niña, of which he was the owner, as well as Francisco Niño is believed to take hold been a crewman on La Niña.
The Niños took portion equally good inwards Columbus's 2nd as well as 3rd voyages. Between 1499 as well as 1501 they traveled on their ain account, with the merchants Cristóbal as well as Luis Guerra, next the route of Columbus's 2nd voyage to the Gulf of Paria on the South American mainland inwards what is at nowadays Venezuela.
Pedro Alonso was named past times the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand as well as Isabella main airplane pilot of the Ocean Sea (the Atlantic) equally recompense for his services to the crown. He was also 1 of the teachers of Prince John, the ill-fated boy of Ferdinand as well as Isabella, whom he taught the fine art of map-making.
Later some other Elmina miss was taken to Kingdom of Spain as well as she dazzled the Europeans with her artistry intelligence. The immature miss was Isabelita Hermonia (1632-1692), who was the first off Gold Coaster (Ghanaian) to start icon or art. Isabelita was a 10 years old when she was taken from her Elmina household unit of measurement to Kingdom of Spain inwards 1642. She studied paintings inwards Flemish, Castilian as well as Gothic styles as well as was reputed all over Europe.
The author inwards New African periodical edited past times Baffour Ankomah, described Isabelita Hermonia of Elmina equally "the first off as well as so far the only African adult woman creative individual of annotation to take hold accomplish so much from Europe schools of painting."
Flemish icon depicting a dark adult woman [Expertise of Isabelita Hermonia (1632-1692)]
The Elmina people silent take hold a potent human relationship with Dutch government. Most of African descendants living inwards Holland, Netherland Antilles, Surinam, Java inwards Republic of Indonesia are all indigenes of Elmina. "It started from the involuntary migration of x of thousands of slaves to the plantations inwards Surinam to the piffling known history of the African soldiers who sailed from Elmina to serve inwards the Dutch regular army inwards the East Indies; as well as from the role of Dutch genever inwards Ghanaian ritual to the dramatic life story of Jacobus Capitein, the first off dark Christian government minister to live ordained inwards the Netherlands."
The Elmina people were the first off coastal Fantes to start large scale line-fishing activities (apo-ye) inwards Dahomey (Benin). As a outcome of their larger migration to Benin, some Ga people who take hold fled to domicile inwards Aneho also joined them at that spot as well as mixed upwards with the local Ewe as well as Fon people to to shape a novel ethnic grouping inwards Republic of Benin known equally Mina people.
Elmina native, HANS KOJO FRANS, the first off dark homo (African) to live elected into Swedish parliament inwards a memorable photograph with a Swedish prime number minister.
Elmina is one the few towns inwards Republic of Ghana with a larger mulatto population as well as their inhabitants silent bearing their Dutch, Portuguese as well as other European names such equally Vanderpuiye, Planque (Plange), Dacosta, Waartemberg, Ballmos, (Van Dijke) Vandyck, Ruhle, Bartels, Nieser (Neizer), Vroom, De veer (De heer).
In the 1480’s, this ancient settlement at nowadays called Elmina or Edina was known to the Portuguese equally “the hamlet of 2 parts”, because the piffling River Benya, which skirts the north-eastern walls of the castle, formed the boundary betwixt the states of Edina as well as Fetu, as well as at that spot was a Fetu settlement on its eastern bank. (qv. J.D. Fage, ‘GHANA – H5N1 Historical Interpretation’, 1958, p.43). The Edina people emphatically deny that they are Fantes, as well as only acknowledge an ancient relations with the Ancient Guan Kingdom of Aguafo, based upon the tradition that the putative founder of Edina, Kwaa Amankwa, the eldest boy of the manlike individual monarch of Aguafo, spell on hunting expedition, discovered the Benya River as well as established a line-fishing settlement unopen to it. There is therefore, sufficient evidence for us to spot the Edina equally a separate ethnic grouping alongside the Fantes, however, Elmina has been Fantelized as well as is at nowadays to a greater extent than of a Fante province than Guan state. The Rev. G. Acquaah asserts that “the main towns of the Guan were Efutu, Aguafo, Kromantse as well as Edina” (See: OGUAA ABAN 1946, p.10). Also according to Henige, “Eguafo, Jabi (late Shama), Abrem, Fetu, Edina as well as Asebu are recognized past times the Fante themselves equally non-Fante states” (in Chronology of Oral Tradition’, 1974, p.148).
The people of Elmina are known for the celebration of 2 of import festivals; Edina Bakatue as well as Edina Bronya. The Bakatue Festival celebrates the “opening” of Benya River, as well as is thus closely connected to the main economical activity of fishing. Edina Bronya is also called the Elmina Christmas. Bronya is genuinely a Libation Day during which ancestors are remembered. Elmina is a major tourist finish site inwards Ghana. Elmina’s importance for Republic of Ghana as well as the world are currently the 2 UNESCO World Heritage protected sites: the castle of St. George d’Elmina as well as Fort Coenraadsburg on St. Jago Hill. These sites attract over 100,000 tourists annually (of whom 50,000 come upwards from abroad).
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
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Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana
According to local tradition, Kwaa Amankwa, the founder of Elmina, claimed direct blood relationships with an Guan progenitor. Kwaa Amankwa as well as his 2 cousins, Sama as well as Amo Tekyi, migrated from Timbuctu via Tekyiman inwards the nowadays Brong Ahafo Region of Republic of Ghana to the south. Sama founded the town Shama inwards the Western Region of Ghana. Tekyi founded Eguafo, at nowadays a traditional province within the KEEA. Kwaa Amankwa settled at Eguafo too, before founding Elmina during 1 of his hunting expeditions.
During Eustache de laFosse’s journeying betwixt 1479 as well as 1480, he only identified 2 places to merchandise on the borders of what nosotros know to live the seventeenth-century Eguafo polity: Shama as well as Elmina, both referred to equally “la minne” (see Foulché-Delbosc 1897:181–182; Hair 1994:43 annotation 3). Whether these were also the borders inwards the fifteenth century is unclear.Pacheco Pereira(1937:119), who travelled to the Gold Coast betwixt 1498 as well as 1505, wrote that midway betwixt the villages of Shama as well as Elmina was the “village of Torto”. This is the first off identification of Komenda nosotros take hold from European sources (see Fage 1980:54–55), though in 1 trial again it does non refer to the inland polity. Rui de Pina, from stuff collected inwards the 1490s(Hair 1994:6), wrote of a state of war which was started betwixt 2 men who lived inwards the vicinity of Elmina (Blake 1967[1942]:86). Hair (1994:39) has cautiously argued that this may refer to the rulers of 2 polities which surround Elmina:Eguafo as well as Efutu. Certainly past times 1503 nosotros take hold reference to an private “who is at nowadays manlike individual monarch of Acomane [Eguafo], came hither with all his people to a betoken virtually 3 bombard shots from this fortress [Castelo São Jorge da Mina] inwards monastic tell toclear the roads to the fortress at that spot as well as to permit the merchants to come” (Blake 1967[1942]:94; also regard Chouin1998).
Ray Kea (1982:28) noted that the town of Eguafo was referred to inwards 1688 equally “Aguaffoman”, which would farther propose the existence of the Eguafo oman or state. By the nineteenth century,however,the population of Eguafo was inwards decline, as well as belatedly inwards the nineteenth century it was reported that the ruler of Eguafo could only hope 150 men to assist inwards a armed forces motion (Brackenbury 1968[1874] II:127). It is hence clear from this historical narration that Fantes came to run into Elmina people.
In the course of instruction of history, the focus on hinterland origins meant that the Elmina people found their natural allies inwards the Ashanti, as well as their enemies inwards their Fante neighbours. For a long fourth dimension it also established the status of Elmina equally an independent city-state. Historically, the evolution of Elmina is strongly linked to the evolution of the European merchandise with West Africa. The Portuguese explorers Juan de Santaran as well as Pedro d’Escobara landed inwards Elmina inwards 1470. On 19th Jan 1482, 600 men atomic number 82 past times Don Diego d’Azambuja arrived inwards Elmina inwards twelve ships from Portugal to build the George’s Castle. The construction of the Castle initiated the evolution of Elmina both equally a regional commercial centre as well as equally a node inwards an international trading network, spanning 3 continents. Competition betwixt European trading nations for strategic positions on the West African Coast grew inwards the 16th as well as 17th centuries, with the Dutch as well as the British eventually gaining the strongest footholds. The Dutch conquered Elmina inwards 1637, past times attacking the castle from the landside with the assistance of local allies, as well as guns positioned on St. Jago Hill. They made it their headquarters on the Gold Coast for the next 235 years.All through the 15th to 19th centuries, the town thrived on a host of economical activities.
Although some of these were non straight connected to the European presence, the volume as well as intensity of economical activities, equally good equally the growth of the town, was caused past times that presence. Economic activities included line-fishing as well as nutrient production (cassava, maize, groundnuts, palm oil, yam, carbohydrate cane) as well as nutrient provision (especially for the local marketplace spot as well as the European garrison), essential services similar carry (porters, canoes, boats), security, storage, equally good equally artisan activities similar pottery, carpentry, as well as masonry. The population of the town grew from several hundred people at the arrival of the Portuguese inwards the 15th Century to roughly 20,000 inwards the mid-19th Century.
During their presence inwards Elmina, the Dutch had a important influence on the civilisation as well as socio-economic evolution of the town as well as region. The Dutch planned the town as well as built a number of defense forcefulness works around it. They also established potent relationships with the local leaders as well as community, as well as vice versa. The human relationship betwixt the Elmina people as well as the Dutch was 1 of equal footing. Militarily, the Dutch as well as the Elmina people were allies, often fighting together against mutual enemies. Economically, they were partners: the Elmina merchants maintaining the trading network as well as the flow of goods from the hinterland; the Dutch merchants providing for the European as well as American connections as well as goods. Politically, the Dutch as well as the Elmina authorities had their ain jurisdictions, but co-operated with each other when necessary. Socially, the Dutch as well as the Elmina people fraternized upwards to a sure as shooting level.
Many European men, including high officials inwards the Dutch administration, married women from local families. In the instance of officials, the bride often came from stool holding (elite) families, as well as the marriage, concluded according to local rites, reinforced the already unopen connections betwixt the local as well as Dutch elites inwards Elmina. Children from these marriages bore their father’s surnames, as well as were regularly sent to the Netherlands for education. Apart from the Elmina dialect of Twi, Dutch was spoken inwards Elmina, as well as the Elmina elite adopted Dutch cultural traits. After the abolition of the Slave Trade past times the Dutch authorities inwards 1814, the Dutch lost involvement inwards the Gold Coast as well as Elmina, as well as minimized their presence.
During the 19th century, 1 tried to revitalize the economic scheme of the spot past times setting upwards plantations for palm petroleum as well as some other products. For a small fourth dimension palm petroleum merchandise was profitable, whereby local businessmen profited to a greater extent than than the Dutch merchants. The nail led to a spree of house edifice inwards the old Government Garden Area of Elmina. The residue of these houses at nowadays create upwards the amount of the historical townscape of Elmina. After 1860, with a drib inwards world marketplace spot demand for palm oil, the economical prospects of Elmina foundered, as well as the local merchant community moved to Cape Coast, Accra, Axim, as well as other Gold Coast towns, equally good equally farther fields, to set upwards novel enterprises inwards timber as well as condom production, cocoa farming, as well as aureate prospecting.
During the 19th century, the Dutch Government tried to heighten its income from the Gold Coast past times developing a aureate mine as well as a cotton wool plantation, both of which failed. More successful was the recruitment exercise the authorities set upwards inwards the 1830s, to enlist African soldiers for service inwards the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia). Most of the recruits came from the north, as well as were provided past times the manlike individual monarch of Ashanti, inwards accordance with a contract he had with the Dutch Government.
Many of these recruits were originally slaves, who were given their liberty before they embarked inwards Elmina, inwards substitution for a regular armed forces service contract. After the conclusion of the contract, the soldiers could opt for homecoming to the Gold Coast on a pension. Many returned as well as settled inwards Elmina, on what is at nowadays known equally Java Hill. Eventually, the Dutch Government decided that its possessions on the Gold Coast were to a greater extent than a burden than a benefit, as well as transferred them all to the British inwards 1872.
In Elmina, equally inwards other places, this gave ascent to world protestation as well as guerrilla activities against the British, inwards which the Ashanti were also involved. The manlike individual monarch (Omanhene) of Elmina, Kobina Gyan, openly pledged his steadfast allegiance to the Dutch. Eventually the British grew tired of all this protest, as well as exiled the manlike individual monarch to Sierra Leone. In June 1873 they also bombarded the old town of Elmina, burning it to the ground completely. The population fled to the countryside as well as settled inwards surrounding villages. For almost a decade Elmina was a ghost town. The site of the old town was transformed into a parade ground as well as never rebuilt. Currently the expanse is a protected archaeological site.From 1880 onwards, at nowadays portion of the British Gold Coast Colony, the town came live again, although it took to a greater extent than than a century before it regained the population flat of the mid-19th century.
Elmina businessmen who had done practiced businesses elsewhere returned to their hometown, as well as built large residential houses, often on the ruin of old household unit of measurement houses. The less prosperous portion of the population also returned around this time, as well as mainly settled inwards the expanse known equally Esuekyir (’behind the hill’) as well as New Town. Fishing as well as trading activities gradually picked upwards too, but the old prosperity of the town was lost forever.
Only inwards the 1920s, when money from aureate as well as cocoa flowed into the town, did expectations of a novel economical dawn return.The typical 1920s-style colonial merchants’ houses built inwards this menses are silent dominant inwards several parts of the Elmina township. Private initiatives to develop Elmina into an economical hub undertaken betwixt 1880 as well as 1920 , including a railway connexion to the mining as well as timber areas of the Western Region as well as the evolution of a modern harbour for intercontinental shipping, did non materialize.
In recent times, Elmina has go a sub-regional centre of limited economical importance, mainly servicing the needs of its direct surroundings. The port remains the largest traditional line-fishing port of Ghana. Together with Cape Coast, Elmina is a nucleus inwards the Central Region tourism development, with cultural heritage, beach tourism, as well as small-scale natural reserves equally main assets for development. The part as well as Elmina are relatively successful inwards this development, but equally yet few of the benefits of tourism genuinely make the local population as well as the local administration.
Majority of the prosperous sons as well as daughters of Elmina take hold left the town as well as live inwards Kumasi, Accra or overseas as well as no longer invest much fourth dimension as well as money inwards the town. Like the local people, however, the Elmina people inwards the Diaspora nurture the unopen relations Elmina had for so long with the Dutch, as well as which are non only visible inwards the monuments as well as sites inwards the town itself, but also inwards the Dutch household unit of measurement names many Ghanaians silent bear.
Political structure
Regardless of the political claims that may take hold existed over the port town, the Elmina settlement became increasingly autonomous after the founding of the Castelo São Jorge da Mina. By the mid-sixteenth century, the settlement was an independent polity, which expanded with the assistance of the Portuguese as well as the Dutch during the next centuries.
Governor Sir W.B. Griffith, D.C. H. Vroom as well as staff [photograph]
Both British as well as Dutch Komenda would follow a similar path,becoming independent from Eguafo past times the halt of the Komenda Wars inwards the early on eighteenth century, when the prominent trader John Kabes was able to found a novel paramount stool independently of Eguafo (see Henige1974 a:241–242). There is, however,no evidence for kingship at Elmina until much later, as well as fifty-fifty so it is an business office lacking inwards the hierarchical potency typified inwards traditional formulations of the state.Today,the caput of the Edina province is the Omanhen, who rules through monarchical succession. He is viewed equally the political, armed forces as well as religious leader of the Edina state. In contrast to most other Akan groups, inheritance of the spot is considered patrilineal. The Omanhen must also live a fellow member of the Enyampa Asafo as well as a fellow member of either the Anona or Nsona clans. Other of import officials are the province linguist (Oman okyeame), the heads of families (nguabadofo),the heads of the asafo companies (Asafohene), as well as the divisional chiefs. While the organisation of the modern Edina province may appear clear, the origins as well as construction of these features are complex. H5N1 unmarried manlike individual monarch as well as the key role of the Omanhen did non emerge until the eighteenth century (DeCorse 2001a:39–40, 2008; Henige 1974b). Although some writers take hold viewed Caramansa, theAfrican ruler who met with Azambuja at the foundation of Castelo São Jorge da Mina, equally the King of Elmina (one on a listing of rulers stretching dorsum to the thirteenth century) at that spot is no textual evidence for this (for review regard DeCorse 2008). After his initial appearance, Caramansa is non mentioned inwards Portuguese records again. On the basis of the limited contemporary documentation available, Caramansa tin only live described equally a ruler, mayhap either from, or subservient to,a neighbouring polity, but whatever his spot it was non comparable to the
Omanhen of the Edina province known ethno-graphically (Hair 1994:55–56 annotation 37; Henige 1974b:504).
Omanhen
At the apex of Elmina political hierarchy is the paramount main (omanhen or Ohen). The Ohen has divisonal chiefs as well as sub-divisional chiefs nether him. Succession of the ohen also appears to take hold varied at Elmina. The spot may take hold rotated alongside lesser kings as well as non followed strict patrilineal succession, powerfulness eventually beingness centralized inwards a paramount manlike individual monarch or Omanhen. Although succession of the spot is at nowadays regarded equally patrilineal (unlike for representative at Eguafo, or other Akan polities) manlike individual monarch lists propose the actual line of inheritance has been variable. In fact, the number of succession remains a source of keen debate inwards modern Elmina, equally it has inwards other coastal Fante states (see for representative Chouin 1998:65–73, 1999). The Elmina royal courtroom was probable initially undistinguished, with the importance of the Omanhen as well as the royal courtroom becoming fully solidified during the belatedly nineteenth as well as early on twentieth centuries. Even so the caput of the province appears equally only 1 of a serial of political balances, the most of import of which were asafo.
The ownership of ground (including mineral rights) was traditionally vested inwards the household unit of measurement stool, as well as so the caput of household unit of measurement acts equally the custodian, giving individuals the correct to utilization such ground which only returns to the household unit of measurement stool in 1 trial they take hold ceased to utilization it. Common ground is vested inwards the paramount stool. The Omanhen has the powerfulness to grant ground to settlers,and extract tribute from them, which so goes dorsum to the stool (see for representative de Marees 1987 [1602]:110–111).Change inwards how ownership was conceptualized may take hold begun inwards the coastal towns during the belatedly seventeenth as well as eighteenth centuries equally chiefs increasingly attempted to command as well as turn a profit from the land. At Elmina, the earliest bring upwards of private holding (erfgrond)dates to the early on eighteenth century (Algermeen Rijksarchief NBKG 318). H5N1 corollary of the fact that the business office of
Omanhen did non emerge at Elmina until the eighteenth century may take hold been comparatively limited command over the profits afforded past times ground tenure. Occupation of houses, if non private ownership of houses, probable insured ownership within the town. In the surrounding farmlands of the expanding Edina State,allocation past times divisional chiefs as well as lineages continued to live the agency through which ground rights were established. Perception of the commercial value of ground did non start out until the twentieth-century.
Asafo
Among the principal hierarchical structures within the coastal Akan, the asafo are most important. The asafo are armed forces associations based on lineal descent, often associated with specific areas within a town known equally bron or wards.They are characteristic of the coastal Akan, specially within the Fante states.
Edina asafo No 4 fellowship posuban.
Membership is past times patrilineal descent, which to a greater extent than often than non contrasts with the matrilineal orientation of other aspects of Akan business office succession as well as kinship, though the patrilineal inheritance of the spot of "ohen" (chief) at Elmina has been noted (DeCorse 2001a:40–41; also regard Arhin 1966; Christensen 1954:108; Chukwukere 1970, 1980; Danquah1928:16–20, 199–121; Datta as well as Porter 1971:281; de Graft-Johnson 1932; Ffoulkes 1907; Hernaes 1998; Sarbah 1968[1906]:26–32).
Certain aspects of asafo organization,pageantry as well as symbolism propose European influences, for representative the fellowship structure, the utilization of flags, as well as the representation of European warships as well as uniforms inwards shrines. Nevertheless, the groups are clearly indigenous inwards shape as well as conceptualization. They may stand upwards for Akan institutions, such equally the immature men’s associations inwards Asante (mmerante) that evolved to include novel elements as well as non-traditional groups. In Elmina, for example, asafo included groups made upwards of fellowship slaves, vrijburgers (a sure as shooting grouping of Elmina mulattos), as well as Europeans (see Christensen 1954:107). The asafo provided a machinery through which immature men as well as commoners could limited their opinions. Although often characterized equally serving primarily armed forces or social functions,the asafo are also validated through rituals as well as fealty oaths.Each asafo had its ain shrine inwards which offerings were made.
At Elmina the root of asafo probable predate the business office of Omanhen. Beginning inwards the belatedly seventeenth century or early on eighteenth century, the number of leaders noted inwards Dutch records increased, mayhap an indication of the evolution or expansion of the asafo scheme (Henige 1974b:505–506;Baesjou 1979:19; Christensen 1954:107; DeCorse 2001a:40–41; Feinberg 1989:104–108; Wartemberg 1951:53–55). The asafo
organisation may take hold started to emerge inwards neighbouring coastal states, similar Eguafo, at virtually the same fourth dimension (Chouin 1998:129–141). Elmina’s 7 amount asafo were recognized past times 1724, but 3 others were added during the belatedly eighteenth as well as nineteenth centuries. Two of the additions consisted of refugees displaced past times the Fante War of 1810. The concluding asafo was the Akrampa, consisting of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company slaves as well as their descendents. This brought the total number of Elmina asafo to ten, to a greater extent than than whatever other settlement. For example, inwards the twentieth century Eguafo only had iv asafo companies resident inwards the town itself, though the kingdom equally a whole had twelve (Fynn 1974a).The role of the asafo inwards Elmina politics contrasted with other coastal Akan polities, equally the asafo appear to take hold had apreeminent spot inwards the political hierarchy. Most significantly, the asafo determined the election of the kings(Feinberg 1970:24; Henige 1973:226, 1974b: 506–507). The political construction of Elmina is also distinct inwards its lack (prior to 1873) of divisional chiefs, as well as the nineteenth-century creation of the besonfo, a council of wealthy Elmina people that also originated from the asafo (Feinberg 1969:72–89; 1970, 1989;Yarak 1986b:33–34). These institutions to some extent counter-balanced 1 another, but within the Elmina polity all were of secondary importance to the patrilineally linked asafo. The Dutch clearly recognized the primary importance of the
asafo. The overall leader of the asafo (ekuwessonhin) as well as the private fellowship heads all received a larger allowance than the manlike individual monarch (Feinberg 1969:86).
.JPG)
Paa Kwesi Nduom, businessman, as well as presidential candidate of PPP as well as his family, proud natives of Elmina
Such favouritism may take hold fostered a vested involvement inwards the asafo relations with the Dutch.The growing infrastructure of the Elmina polity was commensurate with its increasing political autonomy from the neighbouring states of Efutu as well as Eguafo, as well as the emergence of port towns similar Elmina, Komenda as well as Shama equally competitors for territory from the hinterland states. Elmina originally was limited to the settlement expanse as well as side past times side farmlands. With its emergence equally an independent polity, however,additional ground was incorporated with the aid of the Portuguese as well as the Dutch. By 1813 it had extended equally far to the E equally the Sweet River,the location of the modern boundary (Feinberg1989:77). Presently,the Edina State with Elmina equally the uppercase includes several towns as well as smaller settlements. It is bounded past times the stools of British Komenda inwards the west, Oguaa (Cape Coast) inwards the east, as well as Eguafo to the north. Oral traditions propose some of the villages currently incorp
orated within the Edina State were portion of Eguafo until the nineteenth century (Fynn 1974b:21)
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
Please click on the bulleted headings to toggle text.
Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana http://www.ambaccra.nl/pages/c_forts.html
300 years diplomatic relations Netherlands - Ghana http://www.ambaccra.nl/pages/c_history.html
Michel Doortmont's website
Ancient Dutch as well as Portuguese Forts
Tonight BBC 1 broadcast the Hugh Quarshie episode of the Who Do You Think You Are serial 7. It was my privilege to contribute to the programme inwards several ways, advising the team, equally good equally providing materials as well as contacts. For me the story was non new. Already inwards 1995, equally portion of a enquiry projection into the Dutch historical presence inwards Ghana, I visited the Kamerling House inwards Elmina as well as Abii village. I met several of the household unit of measurement members as well as was impressed past times their noesis of their household unit of measurement history.
On my homecoming home,I contacted Eric Kamerling, whom I had known for many years equally a swain genealogist. He showed me the photos as well as papers from Republic of Ghana as well as told me the story of his great-grand-uncle Pieter Martinus Johannes Kamerling, who went to Africa as well as had a household unit of measurement there. It is a thrilling story as well as it was rattling prissy to relive as well as re-tell it with Hugh as well as the Wall-to-Wall production team.
Obviously, equally is the instance with all telly documentaries, the story is bigger than the little cover allows for. Additional information on some of the stars from the programme is available inwards the Gold Coast Data Base. Work on a to a greater extent than consummate publication is inwards progress but requires additional research, both inwards The Netherlands as well as Ghana.
One number brought upwards inwards the programme tin live addressed hither already.
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
Please click on the bulleted headings to toggle text.
Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana https://haftshappenings.blogspot.com/search?q=ghana-fort-elmina-1522-beter.jpg" width="640" />
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
Please click on the bulleted headings to toggle text.
Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana
Elmina Omanhen Nana Kodwo Conduah IV wearing white inwards his palaquin
The traditional hollo of Elmina is ’Anomansa’, pregnant "inexhaustible provide of water." It refers to the tributary of the Kakom as well as Suruwi rivers, upon which according to local historical tradition the founder of the town, Kwaa Amankwa, stumbled during a hunting expedition.
Benya lagoon port inwards Elmina. This scene should tell y'all why the Dutch love it here.
Elmina is the first off European settlement inwards West Africa. Elmina has a population of 33,576 people. It was originally a Guan settlement that has been swallowed past times Fante people as well as at nowadays regard themselves equally total blooded Fantes. Elmina which is the first off town inwards West Africa to have Europeans has from the 14th century changed hands betwixt the Portuguese, the Dutch as well as the British. During the transfer of the ownership of Dutch possession inwards Elmina as well as Gold Coast to the British inwards 1872, an Elmina native
George Emil Emisang, the first off Western educated lawyer inwards the Gold Coast as well as an potency on aboriginal police push clit of the Gold Coast, facilitated the transaction. This a serious genius, Emisang was made a Commander inwards Elmina in 1 trial the British had bought Elmina, but the locals mistrusted the situationand he relocated to Cape Coast.
Elmina people recounts that the Portuguese explorers who first off visited their ground took some Elmina sailors to the town of Moguer (in Huelva, Andalusia, Spain). Local Elmina history claim the 3 sailors include a homo after named Nino who sired iv famous crewman children. The children were Pedro Alonso, Francisco, Juan as well as 1 other Niño. The most famous was the navigator, Pedro Alonso Nino also known equally El Negro (the Black). The iv Niño brothers became sailors with prestige as well as experience inwards Atlantic journeys before playing a distinguished portion inwards Columbus's first off voyage to the New World. Their friendship with the Pinzón Brothers, as well as especially with the oldest of them, MartÃn Alonso Pinzón, influenced their participation inwards Columbus's project. The participation of the Pinzón Brothers inwards the Columbian enterprise was the key to overcoming the doubts alongside the region's sailors; the aid of the Niño Brothers made it possible to defeat the opposition alongside the men of Moguer to taking on an enterprise of uncertain outcome.
Elmina girl
On Columbus's first off voyage, Pedro Alonso Niño was airplane pilot of the Santa MarÃa, Juan Niño was original of La Niña, of which he was the owner, as well as Francisco Niño is believed to take hold been a crewman on La Niña.
The Niños took portion equally good inwards Columbus's 2nd as well as 3rd voyages. Between 1499 as well as 1501 they traveled on their ain account, with the merchants Cristóbal as well as Luis Guerra, next the route of Columbus's 2nd voyage to the Gulf of Paria on the South American mainland inwards what is at nowadays Venezuela.
Pedro Alonso was named past times the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand as well as Isabella main airplane pilot of the Ocean Sea (the Atlantic) equally recompense for his services to the crown. He was also 1 of the teachers of Prince John, the ill-fated boy of Ferdinand as well as Isabella, whom he taught the fine art of map-making.
Elmina native turned Castilian moor, black navigator Pedro Alonso Niño who sailed with Christopher Columbus across the bluish bounding main inwards 1492
Later some other Elmina miss was taken to Kingdom of Spain as well as she dazzled the Europeans with her artistry intelligence. The immature miss was Isabelita Hermonia (1632-1692), who was the first off Gold Coaster (Ghanaian) to start icon or art. Isabelita was a 10 years old when she was taken from her Elmina household unit of measurement to Kingdom of Spain inwards 1642. She studied paintings inwards Flemish, Castilian as well as Gothic styles as well as was reputed all over Europe.
The author inwards New African periodical edited past times Baffour Ankomah, described Isabelita Hermonia of Elmina equally "the first off as well as so far the only African adult woman creative individual of annotation to take hold accomplish so much from Europe schools of painting."
Flemish icon depicting a dark adult woman [Expertise of Isabelita Hermonia (1632-1692)]
The Elmina people silent take hold a potent human relationship with Dutch government. Most of African descendants living inwards Holland, Netherland Antilles, Surinam, Java inwards Republic of Indonesia are all indigenes of Elmina. "It started from the involuntary migration of x of thousands of slaves to the plantations inwards Surinam to the piffling known history of the African soldiers who sailed from Elmina to serve inwards the Dutch regular army inwards the East Indies; as well as from the role of Dutch genever inwards Ghanaian ritual to the dramatic life story of Jacobus Capitein, the first off dark Christian government minister to live ordained inwards the Netherlands."
Jacobus Elisa Johannes Capitein (1717?-1747), Elmina native is 1 of the first off known sub-Saharan Africans to study at a European university, the freed slave Jacobus Capitein became a celebrity inwards The Netherlands for his academic as well as religious achievements as well as after returned to his homeland to evangelize the indigenous population. He earned his doctorate grade from University of Leiden, inwards The Netherlands inwards 1742 at the historic menses of 25. He was 1 of the pioneers of formal pedagogy on the Gold Coast.
The Elmina people were the first off coastal Fantes to start large scale line-fishing activities (apo-ye) inwards Dahomey (Benin). As a outcome of their larger migration to Benin, some Ga people who take hold fled to domicile inwards Aneho also joined them at that spot as well as mixed upwards with the local Ewe as well as Fon people to to shape a novel ethnic grouping inwards Republic of Benin known equally Mina people.
Elmina native, HANS KOJO FRANS, the first off dark homo (African) to live elected into Swedish parliament inwards a memorable photograph with a Swedish prime number minister.
Elmina is one the few towns inwards Republic of Ghana with a larger mulatto population as well as their inhabitants silent bearing their Dutch, Portuguese as well as other European names such equally Vanderpuiye, Planque (Plange), Dacosta, Waartemberg, Ballmos, (Van Dijke) Vandyck, Ruhle, Bartels, Nieser (Neizer), Vroom, De veer (De heer).
African Beauty Queens – 1967 :Four contestants from Africa line upwards at their London hotel before the 1967 Miss World beauty contest. From left to right, they are Miss Tanzania (Teresa Shayo), Miss Republic of Uganda (Rosemary Salmon), Miss Republic of Ghana (Araba Vroom) as well as Miss Nigeria (Rosalind Balogun). Miss Martha Araba Vroom from Elmina had the semi-finals at 1967 Miss World competition, the first off African to do so!
In the 1480’s, this ancient settlement at nowadays called Elmina or Edina was known to the Portuguese equally “the hamlet of 2 parts”, because the piffling River Benya, which skirts the north-eastern walls of the castle, formed the boundary betwixt the states of Edina as well as Fetu, as well as at that spot was a Fetu settlement on its eastern bank. (qv. J.D. Fage, ‘GHANA – H5N1 Historical Interpretation’, 1958, p.43). The Edina people emphatically deny that they are Fantes, as well as only acknowledge an ancient relations with the Ancient Guan Kingdom of Aguafo, based upon the tradition that the putative founder of Edina, Kwaa Amankwa, the eldest boy of the manlike individual monarch of Aguafo, spell on hunting expedition, discovered the Benya River as well as established a line-fishing settlement unopen to it. There is therefore, sufficient evidence for us to spot the Edina equally a separate ethnic grouping alongside the Fantes, however, Elmina has been Fantelized as well as is at nowadays to a greater extent than of a Fante province than Guan state. The Rev. G. Acquaah asserts that “the main towns of the Guan were Efutu, Aguafo, Kromantse as well as Edina” (See: OGUAA ABAN 1946, p.10). Also according to Henige, “Eguafo, Jabi (late Shama), Abrem, Fetu, Edina as well as Asebu are recognized past times the Fante themselves equally non-Fante states” (in Chronology of Oral Tradition’, 1974, p.148).
The people of Elmina are known for the celebration of 2 of import festivals; Edina Bakatue as well as Edina Bronya. The Bakatue Festival celebrates the “opening” of Benya River, as well as is thus closely connected to the main economical activity of fishing. Edina Bronya is also called the Elmina Christmas. Bronya is genuinely a Libation Day during which ancestors are remembered. Elmina is a major tourist finish site inwards Ghana. Elmina’s importance for Republic of Ghana as well as the world are currently the 2 UNESCO World Heritage protected sites: the castle of St. George d’Elmina as well as Fort Coenraadsburg on St. Jago Hill. These sites attract over 100,000 tourists annually (of whom 50,000 come upwards from abroad).
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
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- Anquandah, J, Castles as well as Forts of Ghana, Republic of Ghana Museums & Monuments Board/Atalante, undated: 2000? ( with fine photographs past times Thierry Secretan)
- 59 (of Elmina Castle, quoting Jean Barbot, 1682): This castle has justly go famous for beauty as well as strength, having no equal on all the coasts of Guinea. Built foursquare with rattling high walls of dark chocolate-brown stone so rattling theatre that it may live said to live cannon-proof. On the ground side it has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O sufficient for the utilization of the garrison as well as the ships - canals cutting inwards the stone past times the Portuguese (by blowing upwards the stone piffling past times piffling with gunpowder. The warehouses either for goods or provisions are rattling largely as well as stately ever good furnished."
- Arhin, Kwame (ed.) The Cape Coast as well as Elmina Handbook: Past, nowadays as well as future, Inst. of African Studies, University of Ghana, 1995.Chapter One CAPE COAST AND ELMINA IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, Kwame Arhin
SECTION 2 ELMINA
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
10 The Dutch paid rents or goodwill money on the Castle ground successively to the local authorities, to Denkyera as well as Asante. . . The Dutch also had recourse to local women, produced children as well as built human bridges betwixt the stranger as well as host races. . . they supported their hosts, though only with ammunition, inwards their wars with their neighbours. . . .In the eighteenth as well as nineteenth centuries the Dutch cemented their alliance with Asante; non only through payment of "kostgeld," but also through the periodic substitution of presents which enriched Asante stuff culture. . . the basic indigenous economies of the trading centres were overlaid with occupations relating to the establishment of the European trading-fort. The basic elements of the indigenous economic scheme were cultivation, line-fishing as well as salt-making. In due course of instruction traders from the due north as well as overseas did business organisation inwards the market-place as well as at the houses inwards the village, as well as tillage as well as line-fishing advanced beyond subsistence: Cape Coast as well as Elmina were alongside the earliest centres of money economic scheme inwards the territories at nowadays embraced past times modern Ghana.
11 . . . The traditional socio-political organisation of Elmina was strongly modified past times its frontier as well as trading status. The basis construction was 1 of matrilineage localized inwards wards, whose heads, united inwards a constituted council, as well as led past times 1 of them, acted equally the supreme potency of the town as well as its subordinate or satellite villages. Headship of the Council was custom-determined inwards favour of the manlike individual descendants of the founder of the town who, alongside the Akan, are known equally the aristocrats/royals, adehyee. Headships of wards as well as villages are similarly determined, spell such offices equally those of spokesmen, akyeame, are vested inwards sure as shooting matrilineages.
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
- Hyland, A. D. C.. Chapter Two THE CASTLES OF ELMINA AND CAPE COAST, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO TOWNS
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
This is the oldest surviving European edifice inwards the torrid zone . . . the castle which the Portuguese began to build inwards 1482 was substantially complete, to its original plan, past times 1486 . . . several years before Columbus crossed the Atlantic . . . or Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope as well as opened upwards the sea route to India.
14 . . . In 1637, the Dutch made their concluding onrush on Elmina. . . Finally on the August 28 or 29, 1637, the Portuguese surrendered as well as handed over the castle to the Dutch, who were to remain masters of Elmina for over 200 years. . . As presently equally the Dutch were established inwards Elmina, they set virtually improving the defences . . . as well as . . . repairing the considerable harm caused past times the bombardment.
15 . . . the colina of St. Jago was fortified . . . Named Coenraadsburg past times the Dutch, the Fort was completed past times 1666 . . .
16 Elmina was the first off town on the Gold Coast of whatever architectural pretension; silent situated on the narrow peninsula betwixt the Benya Lagoon as well as the sea, the older portion of the town, characterized past times its steeply pitched thatched roof houses, . . remained at that spot until it was razed to the ground past times the British inwards 1873. During the eighteenth century, the town was silent rattling dependent on the Castle . . . In the early on years of the century . . . the main block fronting the Great Court was remodelled; as well as after inwards the century, the Governor's spot inwards the southward tower was extended past times edifice a wing higher upwards the main entrance of the Castle.
17 (A) map of 1799 shows Elmina equally it was during the early on years of Governor Bartels' administration, at which fourth dimension Elmina reached the apogee of its prestige as well as prosperity. Carl Ludwig Bartels, who was governor from 1789-1804, had been inwards Dutch authorities service inwards Elmina for many years previously, as well as had built a substantial theatre inwards the old town, unopen to the river, for his married adult woman as well as household unit of measurement inwards 1786.
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
- Astley, Thomas (ed) H5N1 New General Collection of Voyages as well as Travels Vol II London 1745
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
398 Captain Thomas Phillips 1693. Fort of Mina. They took a walk before dinner virtually the Castle which is old as well as built upon a stone after the Portuguese fashion, from whom the Dutch plundered it. It had iv flankers as well as virtually 18 guns inwards all, those towards the sea practiced as well as long as well as some of them brass; the walls are pretty high as well as the Gate potent which faces the continent. In the midst of the fort is their warehouse, kitchen as well as lodgings of the soldiers, over which at that spot are 3 or iv little rooms for the Factors. A keen portion of the roof as well as wall of that wherein they dined was fallen down. For dinner they had some muscovy duck, kid, fish as well as store of other provision. What Phillips liked best was a Yam pudding which consume rattling gratefully, managed past times the French Doctor, with carbohydrate as well as orangish juice. They had plenty of Punch as well as Stummed Rhenish wine; but a drinkable called Kokoro, looking similar sparse whey, as well as is a sort of palm wine, he preferred to whatever other. He thought it drank similar mead or rather Verdy, or white Florence wine, equally they telephone telephone it at Livorno. Dinner beingness over as well as the King's health, the African Company's as well as theirs beingness drank, each with a salvo of screw? guns, they were invited to select a walk, where the Negroes used to dance, virtually a quarter of a mile from the fort nether 2 or 3 rattling large Cotton trees, of which their canoes are made. Seats as well as liquor beingness brought, presently after came the musick, beingness 3 dark fellows with the similar number of hollow elephant teeth, through which they made a hideous bellowing as well as were accompanied past times some other who shell a hollow slice of brass with a stick. Then came Mr. Rawlisson (Dutch factor from Axim) the factor's wife, a pretty immature Mulatto, with a rich silk cloth virtually her middle as well as a silk cap upon her head, flowered with aureate as well as silver, nether which her pilus was combed out at length. For the mulattos covet to vesture it so inwards mistaken of the whites, never curling it upwards or letting it friz equally the blacks do. She was attended past times the Second's as well as Doctor's wives, immature blacks virtually thirteen. After the English linguistic communication had saluted them they went to trip the low-cal fantastic past times turns, inwards a ridiculous manner, making antic gestures with their arms, shoulders as well as heads, their feet having the to the lowest degree percentage inwards the action. They began moderately, but quickened their motions past times degrees, till at the latter halt they appeared perfecftly furious as well as distracted. . . The Town is on the East side, containing virtually an hundred houses or huts, straight along the banks of a river which empties itself into the sea close the castle, at the oral fissure of which is a landing place. The Author saw higher upwards an hundred men as well as women with pails on the side of the river, who they told him were washing of sand as well as dirt inwards search of aureate dust.
399 Sukkandi: went ashore at the English linguistic communication castle where found Mr. Johnson inwards his bed raving mad, through resentment of an affront spot on him past times 1 Van Hukeline, the Copeman or merchant of the Mina Castle. . . One Taguba, a noted Negro wench inwards Cape Coast town, gotten with kid past times some of the soldiers of the castle, was brought to bed of a mulatto girl, who growing virtually 11 years old, this Johnson, so a factor at Cape Coast, had a keen fancy for her as well as purposed to select her for his married adult woman (as they select wives inwards Guinea. . . note, That is, during Pleasure) and beingness virtually that fourth dimension removed to live main Factor at Sekondi, inwards monastic tell to create sure as shooting of the girl, he took her at that spot to live with him, till she was of historic menses check for conjugal embraces, using her with much tenderness as well as taking keen satisfaction inwards her fellowship for 2 or 3 years. But when she was grown up, beingness a pretty girl, Vanhukeline, past times bribes as well as presents corrupted her woman parent Taguba. . . girl kidnapped. Johnson after murdered on orders of Vanhukeline (who presently cracked the nut Johnson had been so long cooking to his ain tooth). When Phillips dined with the Dutch General at the Mina, he saw her there, beingness brought to trip the low-cal fantastic before them, rattling fine, bearing the championship Madam Vanhukeline. This as well as some other old differences with the Dutchman, had quite turned his brain.
400 Cape Coast castle. Before their departure, Captain Shirley as well as he entertained the Agents, Factors as well as other officers at Dinner inwards a foursquare summerhouse which stands inwards the middle of the Castle grounds.
401 Bought Indian corn for provision of the slaves to Barbados. The allowance beingness a pectus which contains virtually iv bushes for every Negro. Palm Oil.
401 . . . both dined with him aboard, with their wives, who were Mulattos. This he says is a pleasant way of marrying, for they tin plough their wives off, as well as select other at Pleasure, which makes them rattling careful to sense of humour their husbands inwards washing their linen, cleaning their chambers etc as well as the accuse of keeping them is piffling or nothing.
402 Winneba. Filled some H2O as well as cutting practiced store of firewood past times the Queen's permission. Their Queen is virtually l years old, dark equally jet, but rattling corpulent. They went to pay their respects to her nether a keen tree where she sat. She received them rattling kindly as well as made her attendants trip the low-cal fantastic after their way before them. She was gratis of his kisses to Mr. . . whom she seemed much to esteem. They presented her with an anchor of brandy each as well as some hands of tobacco. She was so extremely civil before they parted equally to offering each of them a bedfellow of her immature Maids of Honour spell they continued there, but they modestly declined her majesty's offer.
Here the author saw many guinea hens as well as diverse other fowl but was pleased most with the herd of wild deer ranging the plains. He saw at to the lowest degree v hundred at once, but so wild, that they could shoot none. Here are likewise large baboons, some equally large equally keen mastiffs. They go l or an hundred together. They are unsafe to live met with, especially past times women, whom (as the Author was credibly assured) they often seize as well as ravish to expiry past times lying with them 1 after the other.
402 Akra. Phillips bought a v manus canoe of the Black General who had seized the Danes fort there. (1693) It seems it was surprised past times a packet of negros, privately armed, who got inwards nether the pretence of trade, and having stabbed his 2nd spell he was showing them the goods dispersed to secure all the other inwards the castle, a political party lying concealed without to assist them upon signal given. The General hearing the tumult came out of his sleeping accommodation sword inwards manus to regard what was the affair as well as was instantly assaulted past times 2 blacks against whom he made practiced his ground for some time, calling out for assistance. But no to a greater extent than coming as well as to a greater extent than blacks pressing on he flung himself out of a window as well as fled to the Dutch after he had received several wounds 1 of which had disabled his left arm.
This Black General (now go governor) sent 2 of his servants to invite Mr B1 as well as Mr. B2 as well as the Captain to dine. While they accepting, were carried inwards hammocks he had sent to attend them. The guard at the castle demanded their swords, which all delivered but Phillips who refused. The General having been acquainted with it, came as well as told him it was his custom. The other replied, that mightiness be, but it was never the custom of English linguistic communication commanders to portion with their swords upon whatever business organisation human relationship whatsoever. In which finding him resolute the General seeming satisfied led them inwards showing them the way into the Dining Room which was past times climbing a ladder as well as entering through a hole or scuttle. When they were ascended, he drank to them as well as all the guns inwards the fort were discharged. After they had walked virtually a quarter of an threescore minutes inwards the castle, Phillips pulled off his sword of his ain accord, which, he perceived the King took rattling kindly.
They were treated with plenty punch as well as victuals, which were pretty good dressed. For the governor had been ready to 1 of the English linguistic communication factories as well as at nowadays went rattling often into the kitchen to give the necessary orders. Though at dinner he was inwards keen state, having a negro man child with a pistol at each side of him for a guard. He drank the King of England's the African company's as well as his guests' healths ofttimes with volleys of cannon of which he fired virtually 200 during their remain there. The flag he was flight was white with a dark homo painted inwards the middle brandishing a scimitar. . . In their way dorsum to the English linguistic communication castle (4 miles to the west) they killed 4 hares with clubs. This vermin frequents inwards vast number the sedge as well as furzes which are hereabouts rattling thick. Phillips thought them rattling insipid meat. Next twenty-four hours arrived 2 Danish ships with 26 guns each sent on purpose from Kingdom of Denmark to care for with the Black General virtually surrendering the fort. . . which he delivered upwards (after bargaining) upon signing of an musical instrument to quit all pretension of reparation or satisfaction from the Black General or his Accomplices, for seizing the castle, equally also the merchandizes as well as goods, as well as l marks of aureate that were inwards it as well as to pay downward 50 to a greater extent than at the delivery.
Chap III Rev Fr. Godfrey Lovyer, a Jacobine. Abstract of a voyage to Iffini on the Gold Coast. (This must live the Nzima coast.) - The next twenty-four hours 7.6.21 they came to Cape Tres Puntas ...story of Kaboshir, John Conny, who broke the heads of some of the crew regarding payment for H2O inwards casks.
On an side past times side colina stood the Danish (or equally some say the Brandenburgers') fort which some few years since having been relinquished past times them as well as thereby fallen inwards John Conny's possession, has occasioned some contests betwixt him as well as the Dutch. These last, pretending a championship of purchase, inwards 1720 sent a bomb-vessel, as well as 2 or 3 frigates to demand a surrendering; but John beingness a bold as well as subtil fellow, weighing their strength, answered, that he expected some musical instrument should live shown him to confirm the Brandenburgers' sale; as well as fifty-fifty with that, says he, I tin seen no pretence but to the ground was non theirs to dispose of. They take hold paid me rent for it (continues he) as well as since they take hold thought check to remove, I do non blueprint to tenant it out to whatever other white men spell I live. This sort of Palaver nettled the British; who threw inwards some bombs as well as shot; then to a greater extent than inflamed with rage as well as brandy, rashly landed 40 of their men, nether command of their lieutenant, to onrush the Town. They fired in 1 trial without whatever harm as well as so John at the caput of his men, rushing from nether the cover of the houses with greater force, cutting them inwards pieces , paving the entrance of his spot presently after with their skulls. This payoff made him rattling exact with everybody virtually what he called his dues, though just inwards Trade. When the English linguistic communication had returned to a practiced understanding (about the H2O MIH) the author (Atkins) with some other officers paid him a visit. The southerly winds made so keen a surf, that their landing was unsafe non to live performed past times their ain boats, but past times the canoes of his sending, for which they paid an akki. The Negro count the seas as well as know when to paddle safely on or off. John himself stood on the shore to have them attended past times a guard of 20 or 30 men nether brilliant arms, who conducted him to his house. This was a pretty large edifice raised from the materials of the fort. It ascended with a double stone staircase without, of 12 steps. On that flooring are 3 practiced rooms, 1 his armoury, some other his chamber, with a standing bed inwards it, as well as the 3rd for amusement of guests, furnished with tables, chairs, etc.
450 The way to it lay through 2 courtyards, the outer had houses for officers as well as servants belonging to him. The inner (a spacious square) had a ground room as well as practiced armoury past times the entrance , with piazzas to accommodate his guard, as well as copy inwards some mensurate the grandeur of the Prussian governors with whom John had been a retainer for some years. From them he had taken inwards his punctilio, as well as knew how to spot on a important countenance. He was a potent made man, virtually fifty, of a sullen look, as well as commanded the observe of beingness bare headed from all the Negroes virtually him that were with caps.
565 plate LX H5N1 map of the Gold Coast, M D'Anville 1729
King of Asiante (very powerful) -> ground of Akanni (formerly rattling powerful as well as rich inwards aureate -> Abrambo/Kabesterra, Fetu kingdom -> St. George de Mina H. Conraedsburgh H. Ekki tekki or piffling Kommendo C.H.
Cape Coast shown equally Oegwa
Gt. Kommendo shown inland due north of Elmina.
589 Plate 61 Prospect of the coast from El Mina to Mourri from Barbot as well as Smith.
6 ships off Elmina. 4 to a greater extent than off Fort Royal at Manfrow (between Cape Coast as well as Mouri) Ships take hold 3 tall masts with long sparse flags flight at their heads. Inclined mast at each end. Large national flag higher upwards the deck at the stern. Picture of the Sun inscribed on the stern. Two rows of foursquare windows with 2 horizontal as well as 2 vertical bars. A. Negro canoas carrying slaves aboard at Manfrow. Three slaves inwards front, iv paddlers at rear, 1 steering. All stripped to the waist.
Prospect of St. Georges Castle at El Mina from Barbot as well as Dapper. View from the east, offshore. Castle has high walls, little beach below. Huge flag (three horizontal stripes) flight from post on top of steeple. Crossed on ridges of all the roofs. Village seen behind (to westward of castle) Rectangular unmarried storey buildings with ridged roofs. Bridge on many piles wit delineate span inwards Dutch style. Tall mast seen upstream inwards the the lagoon. Only 1 edifice North of the span except for Conraedsburg on St. Jago.
636 Gold trinkets worn equally spells. Gold horn. Gold chapeau band. Necklace. Arm rings. Large wooden stools. Scales for gold. Krakra gold, pea weight, Fe pin, money. Piece of aureate (like coral) Hair combs, 3 or 4 teeth.
669 Gold Coast music from Barbot. Snappers or castagnets. Blowing horns or trumpets. Musical tongs two pronged shape with striking rod. Brass kettle manus bells. Brass Bafon? Flutes. Drum. Royal drum. Small drum. Sort of Cittern 4 stringed instrument, board with calabash? behind.
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
- Bech, Niels & Hyland, H5N1 D C. Elmina a Conservation Study UST Occasional written report 17 1978 (notes)
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
Fort on St. Jago Hill called Coenraadsburg
Elmina town situated on narrow peninsula betwixt Benya lagoon as well as the sea until 1873 when it was razed to the ground.
In 18th century the expanse around St. Jago colina was covered past times the castle's vegetable as well as fruit gardens serving also equally a spot of relaxation
By the halt of the 18th century plantations, marketplace spot gardens, pavilions, little buildings. Well defined route layout (w of lagoon)
Map of 1799. Bridge existed. Map past times J. Berseman - General State Archives The Hague.
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
- DeCorse, Christopher R. AN ARCHAEOLOGY OF ELMINA: Africans as well as Europeans on the Gold Coast, 1400-1900
- Examines a complex African settlement on the coast of present-day Republic of Ghana from the fifteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Explores developments at that spot inwards the low-cal of European expansion as well as illustrates remarkable cultural continuity inwards the midst of technological change. BNS, 73 b/w illus, fourteen maps, 5 tables, 288pp, USA . SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT, 1560989718 2001 HB GBP34.50
- Everts, Natalie, Cherchez la femme : gender-related issues inwards eighteenth-century Elmina, Itinerario: (1996), vol. 20, no. 1, p. 45-57.
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history/itin/itin.htm
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
- Feinberg, H.M. Elmina, Ghana : a history of its evolution as well as human relationship with the Dutch inwards the eighteenth century Boston : Boston University, 1969. - XX, 260 p. ; Thesis Boston University, 1969.
- Summary : Studies Elmina's political development, growth as well as daily life. The human relationship of Elmina with the Dutch is analyzed from the standpoint of the meeting of 2 cultures to determine the grade of impingement of the Dutch on the Elminan way of life as well as the legacy of this civilisation contact.
- Feinberg, H.M., An incident inwards Elmina-Dutch relations, the Gold Coast (Ghana), 1739-1740 African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 359-372..
- Summary : The human relationship betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch is to a greater extent than often than non considered to take hold been peaceful as well as mutually cooperative. In 1739 however, a serious conflict arose betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch. On May 26 or 27, 1739, Director General de Bordes forbade Elminan canoes to leave of absence the Benya River to fish inwards the sea. He also ordered his subordinates to seize whatever nutrient coming to Elmina by sea as well as on the forenoon of the 27th a number of boats loaded with corn were seized past times West Republic of Republic of India Company slaves. The Elminans sought an explanation from de Bordes but received no satisfaction. They were ordered to leave of absence the castle; the castle gates were closed, as well as inwards a small spell fighting commenced. This conflict is discussed according to the next outline: 1. a listing of events from May 27, 1739 to virtually March 21, 1740, 2. the points of view on causes; 3. the costs to the Dutch; 4. the effect of the conflict on the Elminans. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Palaver on the Gold Coast : Elmina-Dutch cooperation during the eighteenth century African Perspectives: (1979), no. 2, p. 11-20.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Elmina Town inwards the eighteenth century - Los Angeles : African studies association, 1984. ASA, Los Angeles, 25-28 October, 1984.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Hutton, William, H5N1 voyage to Africa, London, 1821
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
Great credit is due to the Dutch for the improvements which they take hold carried on here. Besides a harbour for little vessels, at that spot are piers, wharfs, as well as cranes, for landing goods. The ground also is also ameliorate cultivated than at whatever other portion of the coast; nearly 2 miles at the dorsum of' the town, are good set out inwards beds of ground-nuts as well as Mr. Neiser has made a fine plantation with 35,000 cotton wool trees, virtually 2 miles from the castle, as well as cutting a route to it, at to the lowest degree xxx feet broad, at his ain expence. I rode into the ground with this gentleman, when I was finally at Elmina, as well as was astonished at the improvements he had made. He so informed me that he had lxxx men employed inwards making a java plantation; as well as it is to live hoped many others inwards Africa volition follow Mr. Neiser's example, which is the most effectual way to cultivate the country, as well as civilize the natives. The gardens at Elmina, containing oranges, pineapples, sour soups, as well as other tropical fruits, likewise vegetables of all descriptions, do keen credit to the Dutch as well as the English linguistic communication at our head-quarters are ofttimes obliged to them for a provide of these articles. Mr. Neiser's hospitality deserves to live specially mentioned.
The town of Elmina is the only 1 on the coast which is built with stone, as well as also the only 1 that is paved. There is 1 broad street before the fort, but the town is badly set out, the houses beingness all built unopen together, without to a greater extent than than sufficient infinite to walk betwixt them.
The number of inhabitants may amount to viii thousand; and, similar most of the natives residing on the coast, they fish with the cast-net regularly every morning, excepting on their fetish days.
Although Elmina belongs to Warsaw, the manlike individual monarch does non forbid the inhabitants from exercising municipal authority. These people were guilty of an human activity some years ago, which tin never live forgotten. The governor, Hoogenboom, having given them some get of offence, they beset him 1 even at the billiard-table as well as murdered him inwards the most inhuman manner. Elmina is the easternmost maritime town inwards the kingdom of Warsaw, as well as Chama the most western. I take hold already stated that this ground is tributary to Ashantee, as well as take hold described the diverse towns on the coast which I take hold been at; but never having been inwards the interior of this kingdom, I volition non sweat a description of it.
The Warsaws carry on a considerable merchandise with Europeans, inwards aureate as well as ivory as well as are to a greater extent than remarkable for honesty than their neighbours the Fantees.
If they take hold whatever palaver (dispute), the Pynins as well as Cabboceers (Pynins as well as Cabboceers signify the magistrates or caput men of the town, the chiefs) get together to hear the parties, which sometimes occupies them a whole day, equally they are extremely clever inwards argument, as well as volition ofttimes utter for hours together. When the Pynins cannot create upwards one's hear to the satisfaction of the parties inwards town, they get together inwards the fort as well as submit the instance to the determination of the governor .
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
- Lawrence, A. W. Trade Castles as well as Forts of West Africa, Jonathan Cape, London, 1963 (quotations as well as notes) See also Lawrence, A. W. Fortified Trade Posts: The English linguistic communication inwards West Africa 1645-1822, Jonathan Cape, London, 1968 (recast inwards a shortened shape as well as retitled) Copyright stuff is used hither with the permission of the owners, the Trustees of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Trust.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
32 Dutch maintained a cotton wool plantation close Axim as well as Shama 1765-83
49 Senior as well as junior officers, gratis artisans, soldiers, slaves for indoor as well as outdoor work. Paid (sometimes live-in) gratis Africans or mulattoes. If necessary Governor mightiness fifty-fifty larn supplies from a unusual fort inwards the neighbourhood. In 1778 Cape Coast borrowed cartridge newspaper from Elmina. In 1780 Elmina sold 55 fathoms of novel 5" cable, weight 274 lbs. at 1 oz of aureate per 100 lbs. for a schooner of the English linguistic communication company.
Loneliness: mutual business organisation normally arranged past times letter.
Only Members of Council or Company's seamen made regular journeys. Officers jumped at the take chances of going visiting, several hours past times canoe or inwards a hammock carried past times 1 or 2 couples of men.
Different companies entertained 1 another, relations superficially amicable, business organisation rivalry, spies, plots.
1779. 'The indefatigable pains as well as perseverance, peculiar to the Dutch, with which they past times degrees endeavour inwards futurity to convey virtually their dear as well as political but diabolical conception to forcefulness the English linguistic communication town of Komenda into uniting with their ain protectorate across the river.
Tedium, strains, isolation, conditions of physical as well as mental distress, grumbling, bad temper. Open dissensions as well as quarreling at the Governor's table. Maudlin as well as assertive recollections of elderly governor. Senior officers mightiness adjust for Africans to drum as well as trip the low-cal fantastic inwards the garden for their entertainment. Main characteristic of conviviality was drinking. Dutch favoured neat brandy or rum. English mixed their brandy with lime juice, carbohydrate as well as water. Drank to excess.
English allowed men to pass the nighttime inwards the town as well as to convey women into the fort. Dutch inflicted heavy penalties for both offences. Dutch allowed men exterior forts only inwards daylight. Gates unbolted at twenty-four hours break, slaves living inwards huts exterior reported for duty. Africans from elsewhere mightiness come upwards inwards to purchase as well as sell. Lengthy process, values reckoned inwards weight of gold. Slaves brought firewood - large amounts required. Arrival of ships interrupted everyone's routine. When the fort's sentinel sighted approaching sails, the flag was hoisted as well as preparations made to have the vessel. Canon made ready (is it a pirate?) Friendly man-o-war or ship with VIP entitled to a salute of so many guns. Cargo brought ashore past times canoes or little boats belonging to the fort. Canoemen organized past times a bumboy, gratis African employed past times the fort. Transport of goods from the beach to storerooms done past times slaves, on their heads. Clerical staff hard worked, inventory of incomings, calculating prices. Ship's original inwards a hurry - scared of illness affecting his crew. Medical precautions. Men non to drinkable palmwine. Unsuitable living quarters, pitiable diet, habitual drunkenness, savage punishments. Malaria, yellowish fever, waterborne diseases. Dutch began with the intention of keeping chaplain's post filled - provided a little library of devotional books (1645). Soon resorted to unordained preachers. Dutch company's board inwards Amsterdam ever prohibited concubinage with local women; practice flourished none the less, though inwards secret. Dutch governor's tabular array had (1722) x dishes of victuals, diverseness of beer as well as wine, attendance of 6 negro servants, each a aureate chain circular his neck. Wheat imported, issued out against pay inwards the shape of biscuit. Stocks ran out. Guinea corn or maize used instead. Fresh meat seldom obtained fifty-fifty past times officers, vegetables grown for commander's table. Unprivileged Europeans relied on salted or smoked meat, flour, cheese, butter. Ignored the abundance of fresh fish. Every underground cistern was walled, floored as well as vaulted inwards brick. Rectangular box-like brick conducted H2O from roofs to channels which ran beneath the paving of the courtyard.
122 Re Elmina. Rationalization past times the Dutch 1637-82. Layout inwards 1637 was inwards full general equally today. Buildings contained doorways as well as windows lined with Dutch brick on upper floors. Dutch rarely used the give-and-take bastion. Majority of Dutch piece of work undertaken for improvement - to obtain weatherproof store rooms (ground floor); to increment living accommodation (above). Upper storeys are floored with wood as well as covered with apartment or gabled roofs according to the width of span.
123 In places the Dutch added 2 or to a greater extent than storeys. By 1774 the reconstruction had been virtually completed. Enormous volume of newspaper accumulated from 1675-1791 past times 2nd Dutch fellowship as well as equally yet uncalendered.
124 Based on written report past times Michael Hemmersham, Nuremberg goldsmith, 1639 -1645 at Elmina. When y'all come upwards within the castle at that spot is a large opened upwards infinite on which is a church building that nowadays is used equally a buying as well as trading house. East bastion . . . there a bell on the walls is pulled past times the soldiers as well as struck equally often equally the hours are struck alongside us on our towers. If you climb upwards some steps at that spot y'all come upwards to a tower (north circular tower) inwards which lived the Treasurer as well as higher upwards him the Crew Master (Commodore) who is inwards command of the ships. If y'all go upwards some other stair, on your left is a gallery within the castle to the outward (an enclosed passage behind the outer wall of the rectangular block) But on your correct is a well-built breastwork, from which y'all go downward 3 or iv steps as well as on your correct manus come upwards to the battery on which prevarication nine cannon cast inwards brass. This is called the Governor's battery since his spot is unopen past times (in the rectangular block) through which y'all tin go as well as come upwards downward in 1 trial again to the courtyard. . .
In my fourth dimension a passage was built around the N Tower where the Treasurer has his spot as well as a bell was brought from Sao Tome as well as hung at that spot on the walls so equally to strike the hours both past times twenty-four hours as well as past times night. Riverine yard called the truthful cat yard, where many civet cats are kept. The perfume manufacture - an of import 1 inwards those times of piffling washing - relied greatly on the odorous secretions of civets, which, inwards captivity could live deprived of their scent twice weekly. Dutch handgrip the castle garrisoned with people of High German as well as depression countries race. Whatever a man's organized religious belief mightiness be, nosotros held our Sundays with prayer, reading as well as singing inwards the Governor's quarters inwards the keen hall, which was hung with pikes, muskets as well as similar weapons.
129 1645 Governor had a kitchen built exterior the church building betwixt the pillars, 11' long past times 5'6" wide. Castle armed with 21 large brass guns including 1 48-pounder mortar, 6 - 24 pounders 1 - fourteen pounder canon, 5 - 12 pounders, 3000 canon balls of iron, 153 of stone, 53 - 12 lb 130 - 8 lb mortar bombs 53 spare muskets, 20 anchors, 200 - 1000 lb (for sale), canvas for sails, salted or dried food, 41 barrels of meat = 8 tons, 500 lbs of common salt fish, 85 Europeans, 184 slaves (ate African food) Garrison of 69 officers as well as men, Governor, 4 Europeans concerned solely with trade, nine inwards accuse of handicrafts, a lay preacher (or comforter) who at this fourth dimension conducted religious services on Th as well as Sunday, acted equally a medical dispenser inwards the absence of a chaplain as well as doctor.
From fourth dimension to fourth dimension a chaplain had been appointed but invariably resigned as well as went dorsum to Holland. Small collection of pious books, 72 copies of the Psalms. Medical stores: 147 varieties of ointments, plasters, drugs, etc.
No 1 was allowed out inwards the evenings as well as so the occupants of the castle mightiness take hold escaped malaria as well as yellowish fever, because the air current off the sea keeps mosquitoes away. . . Fort St. Iago enjoys no such immunity. System of guarding it past times roster exposed the entire garrison to infection.
On slopes around the fort as well as inwards valley beyond grew fruit, salads as well as greenish vegetables - preventatives of scurvy. Soldiers' lodgings backed against the drape wall of the keen courtyard: admitted air on 1 side only as well as pelting ofttimes came through the roof. Roofs to a greater extent than often than non tiled. Wood of roofs as well as floors constantly needed replacement. Timber was cutting at Shama or Axim as well as shipped along the coast on the ketches built at that spot past times the Dutch, sawn upwards past times castle slaves. Company vaulted all storage infinite since tiled roofs leaked. Bricks from The Netherlands came out equally ballast, thin, cream to greyish yellow.
132 1682 Castle is built square, with rattling high walls of a dark chocolate-brown stone. Garrison 100 white men as well as perhaps equally many dark soldiers, all inwards the Company's pay. Drawbridge is defended past times a redoubt (the W bastion) with 8 Fe guns as well as a ditch inwards the stone 20ft. deep as well as 18ft broad with an Fe portcullis as well as 4 brass pattereroes within the gate as well as a large guardroom next to it. On the ground side the castle has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O for the utilization of garrison as well as ships.
Besides 3 rattling fine cisterns within the place, each holding several hundred tuns to salve the rain, so that garrison is inwards no keen danger of wanting water. . . There is room inwards the castle for a garrison of 200 men as well as several officers. The general's (governor's) lodgings are higher upwards inwards the castle, the ascent to which is upwards a large white as well as dark stone staircase, defended at the top past times 2 brass guns as well as 4 pattereroes of the same metal. . . as well as a guard room, pretty large, next to which is a keen hall total of little arms of several sorts, equally an arsenal, through which as well as past times a by-passage y'all larn into a fine long gallery, all wainscoted, at each halt of which at that spot are large drinking glass windows, as well as through it is the way to the general's lodgings, containing several practiced chambers as well as offices along the ramparts.
133 The compting houses particularly, are large, finely fitted for the manufacturing flora accomtants bookkeepers as well as servants, inwards all threescore persons.
142 Governor's kitchen, close W corner of the 2nd floor, contains a fireplace as well as a chimney; all the officers ate at the governor's table, hence the enormous size.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
- Lever, J.T., Mulatto influence on the Gold Coast inwards the early on nineteenth century : Jan Nieser of Elmina / . In: African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 253-261.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Van Dantzig, Albert, Castles as well as Forts of Republic of Ghana equally a Collective Historical Monument, inwards Maggie Dodds (ed.), History of Ghana, American Women's Association, Accra, 1974.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
Now forts as well as castles of course of instruction nosotros observe inwards many parts of the world. Most of the forts as well as castles nosotros know exterior Republic of Ghana are either armed forces forts or left over from the Middle Ages, the Feudal era, as well as inwards that instance they are often grown out into palaces. An representative of the extreme shape of palaces growing out of forts is the Versailles Palace close Paris. But the forts as well as castles exterior Europe took mostly the character, specially if they were built past times Europeans, of outposts or strongholds similar y'all take hold inwards the United States of America - similar Fort Worth, Fort Duquesne; hither inwards Africa too, such equally Fort Lamy, an representative of armed forces outpost. What nosotros take hold inwards Republic of Ghana is rather unique, this whole serial of merchandise forts. The genuinely interesting thing of all the forts as well as castles of Republic of Ghana is non so much the private buildings which genuinely are, let's confront it, less impressive than Versailles or the chateaux along the Loire inwards France, but rather the forts as well as castles equally a collective historical monument. Because what is genuinely most surprising as well as interesting is that over less than 300 miles of coastline, inwards a relatively small menses of virtually 3 centuries, non less than threescore fortified merchandise posts of diverse kinds were built. (The original text has a unproblematic map of the coast showing the next forts as well as castles listed from E to west:
Keta (Fort Prindesten),
Ada (Fort Kongesten),
Ningo (Fort Fredensborg),
Prampram (Fort Vernon),
Kpone,
Tema,
Teshie (Fort Augustaborg),
Accra (Christiansborg/Osu Castle,
Fort Crevecoeur/Ussher Fort, James Fort),
Senya Bereku (Fort de Goede Hoop/Good Hope),
Winneba,
Apam (Fort Leydsaamheyd),
Tantumquery,
Amoku,
Kormantin (Fort Amsterdam),
Anomabu (Fort William),
Mori (Fort Nassau),
Cape Coast (Cape Coast Castle),
Elmina (St. George d'Elmina, Fort Conraadsburg),
Komenda (Fort Vrendenbourgh),
British Komenda,
Shama (St. Sebastian),
English Secondi,
Dutch Secondi (Fort Orange),
Takoradi (Fort Witsen),
Butri (Fort Batenstein),
Dixcove, kwidi (Fort Dorethea),
Fort Duma, Takrama (Fort Louise),
Princes Town (Gross Frederichsburg/Fort Hollandia),
Fort Ruychaver, Axim (Fort St. Anthony),
Ankobra (Elise Carthago),
Beyin.
We could inwards a way regard the whole set of forts as well as castles as well as merchandise lodges inwards Republic of Ghana equally a sort of huge shopping street - shopping street of a few government-sponsored trading companies which did non sell for money so much equally for merchandise goods from Africa - a sort of barter merchandise therefore. Although nosotros should non forget that nosotros did take hold hither on the coast a currency inwards the shape of aureate dust.
The diverse establishments of the European companies, the chartered companies, vary greatly inwards importance, ranging from the large castles - inwards fact at that spot are only 3 castles inwards Ghana; Elmina, which was the headquarters of the Portuguese, after the Dutch; Cape Coast Castle, built past times the British; Christiansborg Castle hither inwards Accra, built past times the Danes. Those large castles had several hundred large guns, large garrisons, commercial officials as well as authorities officials as well as at a. after stage, the existent craftsmen. There was a considerable number of castle slaves also - often craftsmen themselves. In many respects these large castles tin live seen equally mini-cities genuinely but depression inwards the scale nosotros take hold the ordinary forts. And fifty-fifty the Prussian headquarters at Gross Frederichsburg, at Princes Town, was never called anything other than a fort. Of course of instruction it was much smaller than the other 3 castles. These forts often had upwards to virtually l guns, a commercial as well as armed forces commander united inwards 1 person, with a few soldiers as well as few officials for commerce. Then finally at that spot was a large number of so-called lodges which were mostly manned only past times civil assistants non past times existent fighters. Often they were only occupied when ships came to anchor for trade as well as they mostly had only rudimentary forms of defense forcefulness with 1 bastion, 2 or 3 guns, or the rather peculiar instance of the Dutch lodge at Mount Congh, at nowadays called Queen Ann's Point, close Cape Coast, virtually which it was reported at the halt of the 17th century: �We take hold hither 1 homo with an axe.�
Why did the forts as well as castles fountain upwards hither inwards Republic of Ghana inwards such keen density, 1 may ask. There are several reasons for this as well as 1 of the to a greater extent than of import is perhaps but of geography. Both E as well as westward of Republic of Ghana - the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire as well as into Togo, Dahomey as well as Nigeria expanse - nosotros take hold only depression sandy coasts backed past times a scheme of lagoons with to a greater extent than often than non rather unsafe surf; no natural harbours; whereas only inwards this expanse from the Volta to roughly Cape Three Points nosotros take hold this quite different type of coast with many natural harbours - piffling bays as well as coves with promontories rattling useful for edifice forts which were aiming at defending the sea-roads inwards forepart of a sure as shooting expanse which was developed equally a trading area. Then some other payoff of the Gold Coast was that aureate was found as well as mined at fairly unopen distance from the coast, which nosotros don't observe either E or west. Furthermore, inwards the menses inwards which the forts were built - betwixt the 15th as well as 18th centuries - Europe had an insatiable demand for gold. Finally, perhaps 1 of the most of import reasons that so many forts were built, is that so many companies could settle hither yet none of these European nations colonized the Gold Coast equally they did other parts of the world. This tin partially live explained past times the fact that African society hither was but too good organized already before the arrival of the Europeans to allow but the taking into possession, equally happened for instance inwards many parts of America. In fact the African chiefs, coastal chiefs, as well as the traders from the interior to the coast, were rattling quick to recognize the advantages of this competition betwixt the diverse European companies.
So Republic of Ghana has indeed a fairly unique history if y'all facial expression at the full general colonial history of the world, because this is 1 of the rarer areas where for 300 years European as well as non-Europeans had been trading basically on a pes of equality. And fifty-fifty afterwards, inwards the 19th century, inwards the keen era of imperialism, at that spot was genuinely no room inwards Republic of Ghana for the type of colonial exploitation that nosotros observe inwards such areas equally the Congo. The famous Fante Bond of 1844 is indeed 1 of the earliest types inwards Africa of a modern independence movement. These forts as well as castles did inwards fact give a feel of security to both Europeans as well as Africans. To the African they gave the security that the Europeans were non probable to �break out� from their forts. But on the other hand, past times treaty also, Europeans were compelled to come upwards to the defense forcefulness of the coastal states inwards which they established these forts inwards instance these states were attacked from the interior. I must of course of instruction telephone telephone your attending to the fact that the Europeans did non ever come upwards to their aid, specially hither inwards Accra at the fourth dimension of Akwamu invasions, Akim invasions, Asante invasions, against which Europeans, inwards spite of all these beautiful treaties didn't do anything. Perhaps the forts as well as castles also, to a considerable extent satisfied the �Territorial Imperative�, to utter with the words of Ardrey of the Europeans themselves. They did experience a sure as shooting sort of security within those walls of forts as well as castles which were genuinely built on territory they only rented from the local chiefs. Finally, the local chiefs also brought of their ain gratis volition many of their so-called palavers to the castles as well as forts, known inwards Fante equally Aban. The Aban became the basis of after politics inwards Republic of Ghana as well as at that spot is still, inwards Fante the give-and-take Aban, used to delineate �government.� Such informal jurisdiction developed specially inwards the early on stages inwards Elmina; after inwards as well as around Axim; as well as of course of instruction at that spot is the famous instance of the 1830s of Governor Maclean who did the same thing around Cape Coast as well as so into the interior.
So to summarize my introduction I think it is a flake shortsighted to say virtually the forts as well as castles - �Well it may live a tourist attraction of Republic of Ghana but let's non stress it too much because they are just European leftovers of colonial days.� The forts as well as castles tin with sufficient reason, to some extent, live regarded non only equally monuments to the slave merchandise because they were used for slave trade, but also to a long history, a long tradition of Ghanaian independence. Surprisingly as well as paradoxically equally it may sound, they could live regarded to some extent fifty-fifty equally monuments of liberty - monuments at least, of equality. (If y'all disagree delight allow me know inwards the query hour!)
Something virtually the mutual characteristics nosotros observe inwards the diverse forts as well as castles which of course of instruction individually are quite different yet nosotros tin recognize some basic features. Generally the basic pattern is a foursquare surrounded past times drape walls which halt inwards pointed bastions. Within this foursquare of drape walls as well as bastions are built 1 or sometimes to a greater extent than than one, to a greater extent than often than non 2 storied buildings; inwards the bigger forts sometimes 3 stories or a tower. Also inwards virtually all the forts nosotros find, below the key square, the cisterns, or inwards smaller courts, 1 cistern. The ground flooring of the forts as well as castles is to a greater extent than often than non used for storerooms - at that spot is no ventilation on the outside, only on the within - or for rooms for the garrison for the lower officials. The top flooring is for residence for high officials, for officers, as well as for the �palaver halls� which nosotros observe inwards most forts as well as castles. The bastions are sometimes solid, similar the drape wall, but also often nosotros observe hollow bastions which were used for instance equally pulverization magazines, or inwards the days of the slave merchandise - as well as I demand non tell y'all that slave merchandise was developed rather belatedly hither compared to other parts of Africa - these hollow bastions were often used for slave prisons or slave holds.
Now most of the forts were greatly expanded, specially inwards the 18th century. At a after phase they developed so-called spurs. These were outer walls forming a sort of triangle inwards forepart of the main gate. Sometimes they became virtually a portion of the fort equally they did at Cape Coast or Dixcove. Other times they were but sparse walls surrounding service areas which inwards instance of state of war were also used to provide shelter for the towns-people against invading enemies. Sometimes these spurs became rattling big, bigger than the fort itself, equally nosotros take hold for instance inwards Apam as well as inwards little forts where merchandise did non develop rattling good as well as where the Europeans decided to utilization these forts to a greater extent than equally service forts rather than merchandise forts. So nosotros observe a large carpentry shop, a truthful cat yard, equally nosotros take hold at Elmina as well as other Dutch forts, yards where civet cats were reared who produced a sort of liquid which was rattling of import for the perfume industry. The cisterns played a rattling of import role non only for the provide of drinking H2O to the inhabitants of the fort but specially for provide of drinking H2O to passing ships, because these forts were non only merchandise forts but were also provide forts. They were stations midway inwards the long voyage that the ships made. Ships were often serviced close the ports themselves where at that spot was a sort of natural harbour. And castle gardens supplied fresh vegetables as well as fruits for the crews of the ships. Again inwards the days of slave merchandise large quantities of millet as well as corn, equally good equally palm oil, were also bought locally.
Then I shall assay to live equally brief equally possible on this most complicated land of study - �a brief history� of the forts as well as castles, where I may refer to books as well as booklets on the subject. Of course of instruction the first off fort was Elmina, built inwards 1482 past times the Portuguese. The Portuguese as well as Castilian had a tradition of fighting Islam since, inwards fact, the eighth Century A.D. By the middle of the 15th century the success of the Portuguese as well as the Castilian against Islam inwards the Iberian Peninsula was quite great. By the middle of the 15th century an of import trial took spot when, inwards the finally Christian outpost inwards the east, the metropolis of Constantinople was taken past times the Turks. It is genuinely from that appointment that nosotros regard specially the Portuguese getting keen on discovering a sea route to the Indies around the coast of Africa - the piece of work of Prince Henry the Navigator.
So inwards 1471 the first off Europeans arrived hither on the Republic of Guinea Coast, an event, which inwards fact, 2 years agone was celebrated with a special historical conference. Hardly x years later, 1481, Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated with the local main at Elmina for the construction of a fort - San Jorge d'Elmina. The hollo of the main with whom Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated is Caraman�a. This Caraman�a is often said to take hold been 1 of the first off chiefs of Elmina, past times hollo of Kwamena Ansah. Very nice, but modern historians to a greater extent than or less concur that past times 1482 at that spot were non yet whatever Fante on this coast. So how come upwards that inwards 1482 the �chief of Elmina� had a Fante name? Somehow it doesn't fit! Now inwards a 17th century booklet written for Louis XIV to back upwards some claims he thought to take hold on the Gold Coast, nosotros observe the description of these earliest contracts of d'Azambuja with non only Caraman�a but also �another Mansa�. This is quite interesting because mansa is also a sort of Mande or Arab championship for traders. So developed this to a greater extent than modern thought that genuinely the spelling of Caraman�a inwards Portuguese was perhaps a flake misleading, that it was genuinely Kara Mansa - a mansa named Kara - who negotiated with Diogo d'Azambuja. This would create the early on history of Elmina much clearer as well as much to a greater extent than understandable because at that spot is also this confusion virtually the root of the give-and-take �Elmina�. El is a particle, but inwards Spanish, non inwards Portuguese, as well as the Castilian had never had anything to do here. Elmina people would say, �the mine�. But that would live H5N1 Mina. In Arabic, on the other hand, nosotros take hold Mina pregnant �the port� as well as that does create sense. When the Portuguese arrived hither they found 1 mansa called Kara as well as when they asked him �what is the hollo of this place?� he replied, �the port - El Mina�. And that is why the Portuguese named the spot Elmina as well as non H5N1 Mina. Moreover at that spot were aureate mines but at a considerable distance from Elmina, non at Elmina itself. It also explains perhaps why the Portuguese went out straightaway to build such a large castle. Of course of instruction the original castle was non equally large equally the nowadays 1 but fifty-fifty the original one, which nosotros observe inwards that portion which is around the old courtyard - the little courtyard - was of considerable size. The architects when they facial expression at it take hold often been struck past times the fact that it looks so much similar a crusaders' castle - �krak�- inwards the Middle East. And it is rattling good possible that the Portuguese, arriving hither for the first off time, coming together Muslim traders, thought that inwards fact the keen Islamic Empire of northern Africa extended equally far equally this portion of the coast. They hence decided to build a crusaders' castle to constitute themselves firmly as well as to christianize the people around them. For which purpose indeed they set out straightaway.
Only after on they discovered they had built rather too large a castle for the unproblematic purpose of trade. Indeed the next 2 forts they built at Axim as well as at Shama, at natural outlets of the aureate merchandise of the Ankobra River as well as the Pra River, were much to a greater extent than modest inwards size. Also inwards 1482 it was only 30 years after the autumn of Constantinople inwards 1453 as well as it is known that past times that fourth dimension the western European Christians were deeply impressed past times the heavy cannon the Turks had used to breach the walls of Constantinople. Again nosotros recognize something of this at Elmina Castle where silent nosotros have, on the ground side, the northwest bastion which is indeed quite formidable. The Portuguese in all probability did facial expression at whatever fourth dimension after the construction of the fort that the Turks would march upwards with their keen field-cannon.
During the 16th century nosotros observe the first off signs of competition coming from the French as well as English linguistic communication traders who tried to penetrate inwards this official monopoly expanse of the Portuguese as well as at that fourth dimension it became necessary for the Portuguese to build defences to the seaward rather than to the landward. It appeared presently that the feared Muslims would non march upwards to drive them out as well as equally a affair of fact relationships with the Africans became quite friendly. Elmina itself even, shortly after the establishment of the castle, got Portuguese metropolis rights. But the greatest occupation presently seemed to live the competition on the sea - how to hold away these competitors from other parts of Europe. And so nosotros regard Elmina castle extending toward the sea with a whole novel courtyard as well as with heavy guns roofing the Elmina Roads. We observe the same thing inwards Axim now, a bastion pointing toward the sea, as well as inwards Shama. The competition of the English linguistic communication as well as the French was non equally unsafe equally that of the Dutch inwards the after 16th century because the Dutch decided to revolt against their overlords Philip II of Spain, as well as that when the Dutch were the main suppliers of merchandise goods to the Portuguese. They traditionally were redistributors of trade-goods coming from Asia as well as Africa to Lisbon from where they redistributed them all over the ease of Europe. But they sold at the same fourth dimension to the Portuguese traders inwards monastic tell to sell in 1 trial again overseas their manufactured products such equally cloth, which played a rattling of import role inwards the overseas trade. All that sort of broke upwards inwards a few years, at the halt of the 16th century - the Portuguese monopoly on the Gold Coast. Not only did the Dutch revolt against their overlord, the manlike individual monarch of Spain, inwards 1580 Kingdom of Spain as well as Portugal were also united nether 1 crown with the outcome that Portugal also became officially the enemy of the Dutch.
After 1580 nosotros regard Dutch transportation on the Gold Coast increment enormously. The Dutch were able to provide goods at a lower cost than the Portuguese as well as past times 1612 finally 1 of the local chiefs, the 1 of Asebu; broke the spell past times openly inviting the Dutch, sending inwards fact 2 ambassadors to The Netherlands to enquire the Dutch to build a fort at Mori. This fort unfortunately has nearly completely disappeared although nosotros tin silent regard some ruins of which the most striking characteristic perhaps is the keen quantity of Dutch bricks nosotros observe inwards the walls. Because traditionally the Dutch built inwards bricks, as well as moreover this was the first off fourth dimension they had built exterior of The Netherlands inwards fact they thought it safer to convey the edifice stuff from The Netherlands rather than to rely on the local people who equally yet were non fully dependable to the Dutch - equally officially they had treaties with the Portuguese. Soon they began to extend their influence. In 1624, shortly after the establishment of the Dutch West Indian Company they made a treaty with a main of a so newly arrived grouping of Fantes - a treaty which did non rattling much impress, apparently, this chief, Ambro-Braffo, of the Borbor-Fante; inwards 1631 they made a similar treaty with the English linguistic communication who had established themselves at Kormantin. With the growing Dutch as well as also the English linguistic communication competition the Portuguese were finding it rattling hard to larn their aureate as well as made some attempts to mine aureate themselves inwards a colina close Komenda - Abrobi Hill - an sweat which ended inwards total disaster. The mine collapsed as well as shortly afterwards they tried in 1 trial again inwards the interior, inwards the Ankobra Valley at the confluence of the Duma as well as Ankobra Rivers where in 1 trial again it is said they were surprised past times an earthquake which I believe is an erroneous interpretation because from some enquiry I conducted, perhaps they did observe aureate but also some silvery or electrum, which was a sign inwards traditional Akan mining that the spirits were against them as well as that is in all probability the ground why they all of a abrupt interrupted the ease of their activities. In 1637 the Dutch made, from Brazil, their concluding keen assault, after a few failures of before days, on the Portuguese main castle at Elmina, putting their guns on Saint Iago Hill which they after fortified with Coenraadsburg Fort. Very shortly afterwards, inwards 1642, the Portuguese were completely expelled from the whole Gold Coast. However the Dutch had never had equally much a monopoly equally the Portuguese had had because already nosotros take hold seen the English linguistic communication had established themselves at Kormantin as well as rattling presently the Dutch found the occupation of competition from other nations often inwards the shape of so-called �interloper companies� the Dutch sailors who united unusual flags as well as tried to compete inwards that way with those who were involved inwards the official charter fellowship -the West Republic of Republic of India Company.
In the years betwixt 1648-1659 nosotros regard specially the activities of the notorious renegade official of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company, a Pole past times nativity called Caerlof. Caerlof who first off nether Swedish flag established a large number of merchandise lodges as well as forts, next door equally y'all tin say, to the existing Dutch forts, so returned to Europe, made utilization of the fact the King of Sweden got himself involved inwards a state of war with the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as returned to the Gold Coast a 2nd fourth dimension nether Danish flag as well as promptly �conquered� his ain establishments! In the halt the Dutch inherited dorsum from the Danes most of these merchandise posts. One of the major results of this episode was the proliferation of novel forts. Caerlof built a foundation for Cape Coast Castle - Carolusburg - originally named after Charles X, so King of Sweden; also a fort at Takoradi, Butri, Anomabu as well as at Osu, the foundation of modern Christiansborg Castle. The episode of Caerlof also led to that extraordinary episode of the Dutch Fort Ruychaver (excuse me for pronunciation) when the Dutch built rattling far inland, inwards fact virtually 40 miles from the coast, a little fort on the correct banking concern of the Ankobra inwards the middle of the richest aureate producing expanse known then, close modern Prestea, silent an of import mining town, where they did for sometime a profitable trade. But presently it appeared the merchandise post was much too isolated. The commander of the fort got into a palaver with some of the chiefs as well as inwards the halt saw no other solution, since he could non communicate chop-chop with the coast, than to blow his attackers, together with himself, up! Which was the untimely halt of Fort Ruychaver!
Again after the episode of Caerlof quietness did non finally for a long time; presently the Dutch had to confront some other competition That was when the English linguistic communication decided to set upwards store inwards a bigger way after the Restoration when the novel King of England, Charles II, with his friends, decided to dabble a flake inwards overseas expansion. The early on English linguistic communication companies had non been rattling successful but at nowadays they had total financial back upwards as well as of course, total political support. The outcome of this was that inwards 1664 having been annoyed on several occasions past times the Dutch, the English linguistic communication decided to send a surprise fleet non only to the Gold Coast but also to the Dutch possessions inwards America, nether 1 Admiral Holmes. Indeed they were taken past times surprise as well as many of the forts were taken with the exception of Elmina Castle of course. But the Dutch too had their surprise inwards store for the English linguistic communication because before the English linguistic communication could gear upwards themselves properly to ward off a counter-attack - all this took spot inwards official peace time! - the Dutch sent Admiral De Ruyter who chop-chop recovered most of the lost forts as well as also conquered the original English linguistic communication headquarters at Kormantin, leaving nevertheless to the English linguistic communication the old Swedish fort of Carolusburg at Cape Coast.
It's a rattling essential episode that happened inwards 1664-1665 as well as that affected also y'all Americans. Because it was inwards that same naval state of war that the Dutch also lost New Amsterdam which was named after the Duke of York, blood brother of Charles II, after James II, who played an of import role inwards overseas expansion equally I've said. So New Amsterdam became New York as well as inwards revenge the Dutch named the old English linguistic communication fort at Kormantin after Amsterdam - perhaps to create upwards for the loss of �New Amsterdam�! The Duke of York indeed continued to involvement himself inwards the African enterprise. It was he also who first off encouraged the striking of the famous Guineas, the aureate coins made of Republic of Guinea gold, which were so pure that inwards fact they became worth to a greater extent than than the official pound sterling. Until quite of late the English linguistic communication used the term �Guinea� to announce the equivalent of 21 shillings.
In 1672 the Africa merchandise was spot on a novel as well as sounder ground inwards England with the foundation of the Royal African Company which became the keen competitor of the Dutch West Indian Company inwards this portion of the world. It was this Royal Africa Company which also built hither inwards Accra, James Fort.
Again at that spot are few Americans who realize that James Fort as well as New York are genuinely named after the same person. As if the province of affairs wasn't complicated enough, inwards the 1680s nosotros larn in 1 trial again a novel land establishing itself - the Brandenburg African Company, inwards fact, some other Dutch interloper company, which established a fairly large fort at Princes Town as well as a few modest stations inwards Ahanta; highly annoying for the Dutch who upwards to that fourth dimension thought the Ahanta area, closest to the aureate producing area, was alone theirs. All this competition was bound to atomic number 82 to turmoil, also within the interior of the Gold Coast as well as this nosotros regard take spot indeed after 1690 when specially the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch got involved inwards their endlessly complicated serial of wars known equally the Komenda wars, centered around Komenda where both Dutch as well as English linguistic communication built a fort within shooting make of each other. Komenda was also described inwards a famous volume past times William Bosman which shows how this cut-throat competition non only led to a full general involvement of the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch inwards the politics of the immediate interior but also led to a gradual decline inwards the provide of gold. So that past times 1700 inwards fact the aureate merchandise was so much inwards decline that Europe had to facial expression also to the Gold Coast for that other keen �commodity� from Africa - commodity inwards quotation marks - slaves. It was only after 1700 that the slave merchandise became of import on the Gold Coast, which, past times the Portuguese as well as also for a long fourth dimension past times the Dutch, was ever regarded equally unfit for the slave trade. For slave merchandise y'all needed state of war as well as with state of war merchandise paths from the aureate mines to the coast could non remain open. We recognize this episode, the chapter of the slave trade, also the construction of the forts with the relatively novel extensions inwards the shape of hollow bastions, slave prisons, of which nosotros silent observe this notorious representative inwards Cape Coast Castle - the dungeons. Around 1700 also, although their competition continued to live unsuccessful, we've seen attempts of the French to penetrate - much feared past times the English linguistic communication as well as Dutch as well as the Danes as well as Brandenburgers. Though planned with keen grandeur cipher comes out of it but a little wooden fort which lasted only 2 years. In the belatedly 18th century nosotros observe silent a number of forts built at the extremes of the Gold Coast - the English linguistic communication at Beyin inwards Nzima area, the Danes at Keta, Ada, as well as also a little British fort at Prampram. But the keen historic menses of fort edifice was genuinely over past times that time.
In the 19th century nosotros regard in 1 trial again an alone novel evolution which inwards a way is dorsum to �square one�! The Portuguese started past times edifice defences mainly on the landside. We regard that it in 1 trial again became necessary to build defences on the landside, this fourth dimension against the invading Asante or, inwards the instance of Elmina, against the Fante, who were the keen enemies of Elminas. So around Cape Coast as well as Elmina nosotros regard inwards the 19th century the construction of a number of fortifications which are genuinely non meant for merchandise but purely for protection. In fact Coenraadsburg Fort, built inwards 1665, inwards the days of Holmes as well as De Ruyter, is the only fort which was built for defense forcefulness purposes as well as non for merchandise alongside the forts of Ghana. In the 19th century also nosotros observe some attempts for the foundation of plantations. But on the other manus the African trading elite became independent as well as nosotros regard established centers inwards such places equally Axim or Cape Coast or Sekondi of the grand houses of the first off independent African traders. The smaller forts began to autumn into decay. The castles themselves became at nowadays mainly authorities offices - rattling piffling merchandise is genuinely done at that spot - or regular army barracks. Cape Coast first off was actually, after the deviation of the Dutch inwards 1872, the uppercase of the Gold Coast. But inwards 1876 the English linguistic communication moved their uppercase to Accra as well as made Christiansborg the spot of authorities which is what it is upwards to this rattling day. Other forts are turned into post offices or ease houses but it's only inwards around 1950 the province begins in 1 trial again to go officially interested inwards these buildings as well as monuments. Now inwards the 1970s nosotros are getting to the phase where all these forts are beingness restored. In Cape Coast Castle a museum is going to opened upwards rattling soon, Elmina Castle volition live turned into a tourist hostel as well as most of the other forts volition serve equally ease houses.
I think it is nearly fourth dimension that I stop. But silent I would similar to say a few words . . . �Stop looking at your watch!� . . . a few words virtually life inwards as well as around the forts because that is something which people visiting these places don't ever realize - what was life genuinely similar inwards these forts.
They are sometimes called ships permanently at anchor inwards the days of the companies. The whole organisation of social life inwards the forts was rattling much similar that on a ship. Very important, key for the fort, was the flag - rattling essential that the flag was hoisted rattling early on inwards the forenoon as well as lowered belatedly at night. And also, if y'all were a trader, to create sure as shooting that y'all went to the correct place. Between Cape Coast as well as Anomabu y'all had v forts of 2 or 3 different nations. If y'all were just one-half a mile incorrect y'all could facial expression to live shot at past times the enemy. So it was indeed essential that y'all clearly showed yourself past times your colours. That is also why y'all observe on those old engravings those unbelievable large pieces of textile hanging over these forts..JPG)
Life inwards the fort was furthermore similar on ship - regulated past times bells as well as the threescore minutes glass. Bells 1 may observe only inwards a few places silent extant but many of these forts silent take hold bell towers that are at nowadays empty - for instance the circular tower of Elmina Castle on the northeast side. Then rattling of import similar on ships was the firing of salutes. Every fourth dimension a ship arrived salutes were fired. It is interesting to know that some forts inwards fact had such first-class natural defences or were so unimportant that they take hold never fired anything but salutes. Places similar Butri had something similar 20 cannon but those cannon had never been used for anything other than firing salutes. The commercial as well as political hierarchy inwards the forts was parallel to as well as sometimes coincided with the armed forces hierarchy. Of the companies the West Indian Company was the most permanent - as well as personally I tin tell y'all to a greater extent than as well as I experience to a greater extent than confident on that land of study rather than on that of the Danish, High German or English linguistic communication companies. For the day-to-day authorities at Elmina the Director-General was assisted past times a Council consisting the main merchant, the financial bookkeeper-general, some main factors; as well as so he was assisted exterior Elmina past times factors as well as sub factors who commanded the modest forts. The council, consisting of the aforementioned, decided on policy of merchandise as well as full general politics also, equally much equally it involved making treaties with local chiefs. In fact the director-general as well as council did constitute a sort of existent authorities as well as had considerable power, much greater powerfulness than whatever modern trading fellowship acting inwards this country. Scribes of course of instruction had extremely hard piece of work before the days of the typewriter. All of import letters had to live made at to the lowest degree inwards triplo, 1 re-create for the local file, 1 re-create for the directors inwards Amsterdam - the so-called assembly of 10; as well as 1 re-create for 1 of the diverse chapters of the West Indian Company concerned. The Company was sub-divided inwards 5 chambers representing the major trading cities inwards the Netherlands. Also the communications with the Netherlands were extremely slow, specially the outwards send service from the Gold Coast to Europe which sometimes took to a greater extent than than 1� years because ships could non canvass but from the upper coast to the lower coast with the electrical flow as well as the prevailing winds. All of y'all take hold been swimming sometimes inwards the sea hither as well as know that the electrical flow is ever from the westward to the east. When y'all are looking at the airdrome all the planes are ever taking off against the nearly permanent western winds. So letters from Gold Coast to the Netherlands had to go all the way to the West Indies as well as sometimes to North America before they reached home.
And so for instance I sometimes found references to well-known events - for instance to the expiry of Queen Ann which I believe was inwards 1714, which was commemorated inwards a alphabetic character written inwards 1718 because that was the first off fourth dimension they had heard she died - after to a greater extent than than 3 years! Another incident which is interesting to annotation how essential it was indeed to canvass from the westward to the E non the E to the westward - inwards 1641 when the Dutch tried to conquer Axim, where, the Portuguese were silent holding out after the Dutch had captured Elmina they sent a little fleet - unwisely inwards the rainy flavor when the winds as well as the electrical flow are strongest - inwards monastic tell to capture Axim. But after 4� weeks the commander of this fleet decided to homecoming because he had reached only Takoradi!
Furthermore social life at the forts must take hold been extremely dull really. The only way of amusing oneself was drinking as well as that is in all probability what has also given the Republic of Guinea Coast the hollo �white man's grave�! - non that the climate was so unhealthy but that people drank themselves to death! Life was extremely, severely regulated. The gates of the castle closed at nighttime at seven; the drawbridges, if they were there, were drawn up. And yet all these preventive measures, did non forbid the ascent of a mulatto class. Of course of instruction 1 should non live too hard on the men of those days because at that spot were rattling few European women around as well as those that did come upwards either died or were indeed hardly attractive equally I empathise from descriptions. These women sometimes occupied their gratis time, as well as they had lots of gratis time, with the distribution of large quantities of bibles which I'm afraid were non rattling much read! There were of course of instruction attempts to constitute schools inwards the castles, specially at Cape Coast as well as Elmina but in 1 trial again it was non rattling successful as well as to my surprise, fifty-fifty inwards modern works on Ghanaian education, this is stressed far more, these early on failures of the early on castle schools, than the much to a greater extent than of import preparation which was given inwards the courtyards - these workshops where many Africans were trained inwards such useful crafts equally carpentry, ship repairing, as well as gardening. Gardening in 1 trial again was mainly done for the inhabitants of the forts or for the provide for the ships. But at to the lowest degree they had the effect inwards this ground that many novel crops were introduced, such equally tomatoes, maize, some people fifty-fifty say the ameliorate qualities of yam. And these must take hold originally come upwards from these castle gardens.
Well I've tried to remain within the boundary of time. I'm non sure as shooting how clear I've been but at to the lowest degree I hope I've been clear plenty to arouse some questions inwards you.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
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Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
 | from: Van Dantzig, A, Het Nederlandse Aandeel inwards de Slawenhandel Fibula 1968 (in Dutch) Jan Pranger, "governor of the Gold Coast." In the background, an African servant. Through the window, inwards the distance, fort Coenraadsburgh is visible. Painting past times Frans van der Mijn, 1742 credit Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam |
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
- van Kessel, I (ed.) Merchants, Missionaries & Migrants: 300 years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations. Kit Publishers & Sub-Saharan Publishers, 2002.
- Authors: E. Kusruri, D. Kpobi, D.K. Arhinful, H. van der Zee, A. Pakosie, J.J. Vrij, N. Everts, V.K. Nyanteng,
- In Nov 1701, David van Nyendael, an envoy of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company (WIC) was the first off European to see the royal courtroom inwards Kumasi, uppercase of the emerging Ashanti empire inwards the hinterland of the Gold Coast. Three hundred years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations take hold passed since then.
- Merchants, Missionaries as well as Migrants � 300 years of Dutch � Ghanaian Relations focuses on diverse aspects of the long-standing as well as intricate economic, political, cultural as well as human ties - past as well as present- between Ghanaians as well as Dutchmen.
- Experts from Ghana, the Netherlands, Surinam as well as Republic of Indonesia nowadays their enquiry findings on these issues. These fascinating histories deserve a broad audience. They delineate a broad make of topics from Dutch-Ghanaian history: from the merchandise inwards gold, ivory as well as slaves to the cocoa trade; from liaisons betwixt European men as well as African women inwards previous centuries to present-day Ghanaian migration to the Netherlands; from the involuntary migration of x of thousands of slaves to the plantations inwards Surinam to the piffling known history of the African soldiers who sailed from Elmina to serve inwards the Dutch regular army inwards the East Indies; as well as from the role of Dutch genever in Ghanaian ritual to the dramatic life story of Jacobus Capitein, the first off dark Christian government minister to live ordained inwards the Netherlands.
- Yarak, Larry W, Asante as well as the Dutch 1744-1873 Clarendon Press Oxford 1990 (quotations as well as notes)
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
9 sika sene, biribi nsen bio: Wealth surpasses everything sika ne ohene: money is king
44 Elmina to Kumasi 10 -12 days
95 In add-on to an overriding concern to go on Dutch domination of the Akan merchandise inwards exported gold, a major incentive for the Dutch to expand their commercial as well as armed forces presence inwards West Africa was the want to facilitate the procurement of slaves for the carbohydrate plantations of the New World. In 1734 the West Indian Company lost its monopoly to gratis Dutch traders inwards the slave merchandise equally access to the forts was opened to gratis Dutch traders. The company's direct participation inwards the slave merchandise ended presently thereafter equally private trading companies such equally the Middelburgsche Commercie Compagne assumed the chore of supplying the Dutch plantations inwards the Caribbean.
100 From 1735 until its dissolution inwards 1791 the West Indian company's activities on the Gold Coast were limited to those of an officially sanctioned direction trunk overseeing the staffing as well as physical maintenance of the Dutch forts. However, it remained the responsibleness of their personnel at the coast to regard to it that sufficient slaves were available for purchase past times the gratis Dutch traders inwards substitution for licensing fees as well as a duty on each slave purchased at the forts. Moreover, from 1754 fellowship employees were allowed to engage inwards private merchandise spell carrying out their official duties inwards the forts, a do that would go on good into the 19th century.
100 Dutch slave exports peaked inwards the 1760s when a total of some 70000 slaves were loaded onto Dutch ships. In Oct 1771 -- during previous 12 months 1500-1600 slaves were exported from Elmina. Annual average for 1770s 4900
- Summary : This study is based on the records of the Dutch coastal administration's Council of Senior Officials, roofing the menses betwixt 1815-1830. They provide fascinating as well as often vivid glimpses into otherwise obscure conditions of life. At a to a greater extent than analytical level, however, these records document important aspects of social tension within Elmina's shape structure. The cases dealt with involve theft, as well as murder, attempted murder of conspiracy to commit murder. Notes.
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana
According to local tradition, Kwaa Amankwa, the founder of Elmina, claimed direct blood relationships with an Guan progenitor. Kwaa Amankwa as well as his 2 cousins, Sama as well as Amo Tekyi, migrated from Timbuctu via Tekyiman inwards the nowadays Brong Ahafo Region of Republic of Ghana to the south. Sama founded the town Shama inwards the Western Region of Ghana. Tekyi founded Eguafo, at nowadays a traditional province within the KEEA. Kwaa Amankwa settled at Eguafo too, before founding Elmina during 1 of his hunting expeditions.
Elmina women inwards grouping photograph
During Eustache de laFosse’s journeying betwixt 1479 as well as 1480, he only identified 2 places to merchandise on the borders of what nosotros know to live the seventeenth-century Eguafo polity: Shama as well as Elmina, both referred to equally “la minne” (see Foulché-Delbosc 1897:181–182; Hair 1994:43 annotation 3). Whether these were also the borders inwards the fifteenth century is unclear.Pacheco Pereira(1937:119), who travelled to the Gold Coast betwixt 1498 as well as 1505, wrote that midway betwixt the villages of Shama as well as Elmina was the “village of Torto”. This is the first off identification of Komenda nosotros take hold from European sources (see Fage 1980:54–55), though in 1 trial again it does non refer to the inland polity. Rui de Pina, from stuff collected inwards the 1490s(Hair 1994:6), wrote of a state of war which was started betwixt 2 men who lived inwards the vicinity of Elmina (Blake 1967[1942]:86). Hair (1994:39) has cautiously argued that this may refer to the rulers of 2 polities which surround Elmina:Eguafo as well as Efutu. Certainly past times 1503 nosotros take hold reference to an private “who is at nowadays manlike individual monarch of Acomane [Eguafo], came hither with all his people to a betoken virtually 3 bombard shots from this fortress [Castelo São Jorge da Mina] inwards monastic tell toclear the roads to the fortress at that spot as well as to permit the merchants to come” (Blake 1967[1942]:94; also regard Chouin1998).
The castle of St. George d'Elmina, from 1637 to 1872 headquarters of the Netherlands Possessions on the Coast of Guinea. The photo's inwards the collection present the castle from the West, the East, as well as the North. The middle icon present shows the main entrance with drawbridge as well as main buildings.
Ray Kea (1982:28) noted that the town of Eguafo was referred to inwards 1688 equally “Aguaffoman”, which would farther propose the existence of the Eguafo oman or state. By the nineteenth century,however,the population of Eguafo was inwards decline, as well as belatedly inwards the nineteenth century it was reported that the ruler of Eguafo could only hope 150 men to assist inwards a armed forces motion (Brackenbury 1968[1874] II:127). It is hence clear from this historical narration that Fantes came to run into Elmina people.
View of the colina St. Jago with the fort Coenraadsburg, with on the correct the so-called Herenweg, at nowadays Liverpool Street, inwards Elmina, seen from the Parade Ground across the river.
The fort Coenraadsburg was built past times the Dutch inwards the seventeenth century, to guard the castle St. George. The Dutch themselves had seized St. George from the Portuguese inwards 1637 past times agency of an onrush from St. Jago hill. The Herenweg (Liverpool Street) was developed from 1840 onwards equally a street lined with large merchants' houses - built past times merchants who were predominantly of Euro-African descent. Currently, many of these houses are inwards a province of disrepair. The street itself is an of import thoroughfare for carry to as well as from the large line-fishing port nowadays situated on the river quay visible inwards the front.
In the course of instruction of history, the focus on hinterland origins meant that the Elmina people found their natural allies inwards the Ashanti, as well as their enemies inwards their Fante neighbours. For a long fourth dimension it also established the status of Elmina equally an independent city-state. Historically, the evolution of Elmina is strongly linked to the evolution of the European merchandise with West Africa. The Portuguese explorers Juan de Santaran as well as Pedro d’Escobara landed inwards Elmina inwards 1470. On 19th Jan 1482, 600 men atomic number 82 past times Don Diego d’Azambuja arrived inwards Elmina inwards twelve ships from Portugal to build the George’s Castle. The construction of the Castle initiated the evolution of Elmina both equally a regional commercial centre as well as equally a node inwards an international trading network, spanning 3 continents. Competition betwixt European trading nations for strategic positions on the West African Coast grew inwards the 16th as well as 17th centuries, with the Dutch as well as the British eventually gaining the strongest footholds. The Dutch conquered Elmina inwards 1637, past times attacking the castle from the landside with the assistance of local allies, as well as guns positioned on St. Jago Hill. They made it their headquarters on the Gold Coast for the next 235 years.All through the 15th to 19th centuries, the town thrived on a host of economical activities.
The so-called Parade Ground inwards forepart of the castle of St. George d'Elmina (facing West). Until 1873, the original African town of Elmina was situated on this terrain, housing circa 15,000 inhabitants. Just over a twelvemonth after the transfer of the Dutch possessions to Great Britain, the British bombarded as well as burnt the town. This was a punitive activity against the population of Elmina, because of their continuing protestation against the British government. In the activity no 1 was wounded, equally the inhabitants had been warned beforehand. After the bombardment, the British did non allow whatever edifice inwards the area. Up to this twenty-four hours it is an opened upwards space.
Although some of these were non straight connected to the European presence, the volume as well as intensity of economical activities, equally good equally the growth of the town, was caused past times that presence. Economic activities included line-fishing as well as nutrient production (cassava, maize, groundnuts, palm oil, yam, carbohydrate cane) as well as nutrient provision (especially for the local marketplace spot as well as the European garrison), essential services similar carry (porters, canoes, boats), security, storage, equally good equally artisan activities similar pottery, carpentry, as well as masonry. The population of the town grew from several hundred people at the arrival of the Portuguese inwards the 15th Century to roughly 20,000 inwards the mid-19th Century.
The Dutch manufacturing flora inwards Elmina, with European as well as African personnel
Between circa 1888 as well as 1894, the theatre of Gebroeders Ter Meulen of Rotterdam ran a factory, mainly trading inwards palm oil. The theatre left Elmina during the worldwide agricultural crisis, which cutting profits severely.
The photograph shows 3 European staff (among whom in all probability 1 or 2 Ter Meulen's), 3 African agents (standing) some clerks (sitting), as well as manual labourers as well as carriers. The photograph is taken inwards forepart of the Viala Houses, a merchant's theatre inwards Liverpool Street. This theatre was rented past times the firm.
During their presence inwards Elmina, the Dutch had a important influence on the civilisation as well as socio-economic evolution of the town as well as region. The Dutch planned the town as well as built a number of defense forcefulness works around it. They also established potent relationships with the local leaders as well as community, as well as vice versa. The human relationship betwixt the Elmina people as well as the Dutch was 1 of equal footing. Militarily, the Dutch as well as the Elmina people were allies, often fighting together against mutual enemies. Economically, they were partners: the Elmina merchants maintaining the trading network as well as the flow of goods from the hinterland; the Dutch merchants providing for the European as well as American connections as well as goods. Politically, the Dutch as well as the Elmina authorities had their ain jurisdictions, but co-operated with each other when necessary. Socially, the Dutch as well as the Elmina people fraternized upwards to a sure as shooting level.
Johannes Jacobus Cornelis Huydecoper, clerk inwards Dutch authorities service as well as after merchant inwards Elmina, worked for the theatre of Ter Meulen. He was also a fellow member of a prominent Euro-African family. His great-great-grandfather was Jan Pieter Theodoor Huydecoper (1728-1767), fellow member of the Amsterdam elite household unit of measurement of that name, who served the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company on the Gold Coast from 1756 till his death, latterly equally director-general. His granddaddy Willem (1788-1826) as well as manlike individual parent Jacob (1811-1845) were both ambassadors of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the Court of the King of Ashanti at Kumasi.
Many European men, including high officials inwards the Dutch administration, married women from local families. In the instance of officials, the bride often came from stool holding (elite) families, as well as the marriage, concluded according to local rites, reinforced the already unopen connections betwixt the local as well as Dutch elites inwards Elmina. Children from these marriages bore their father’s surnames, as well as were regularly sent to the Netherlands for education. Apart from the Elmina dialect of Twi, Dutch was spoken inwards Elmina, as well as the Elmina elite adopted Dutch cultural traits. After the abolition of the Slave Trade past times the Dutch authorities inwards 1814, the Dutch lost involvement inwards the Gold Coast as well as Elmina, as well as minimized their presence.
Jacob Abraham de Veer (1838-1926), grandson of a Dutch governor of that hollo on the Gold Coast, was a merchant inwards Elmina, Dutch as well as French consul inwards Elmina, as well as burgomaster of that town. Until this twenty-four hours he is recognised locally equally an of import historical figure.
During the 19th century, 1 tried to revitalize the economic scheme of the spot past times setting upwards plantations for palm petroleum as well as some other products. For a small fourth dimension palm petroleum merchandise was profitable, whereby local businessmen profited to a greater extent than than the Dutch merchants. The nail led to a spree of house edifice inwards the old Government Garden Area of Elmina. The residue of these houses at nowadays create upwards the amount of the historical townscape of Elmina. After 1860, with a drib inwards world marketplace spot demand for palm oil, the economical prospects of Elmina foundered, as well as the local merchant community moved to Cape Coast, Accra, Axim, as well as other Gold Coast towns, equally good equally farther fields, to set upwards novel enterprises inwards timber as well as condom production, cocoa farming, as well as aureate prospecting.
Old lady Johanna Vitringa Coulon herself!! She married the whiteman Pieter Maria. Pieter, Maria (ca. 1864-1953) as well as Johanna Vitringa Coulon were children of the Dutch colonial official Julius Vitringa Coulon (1824-1878), who served on the Gold Coast betwixt 1853 as well as 1866, as well as Adjua Hogen from Elmina. At the fourth dimension of Muller's visit, Pieter was registrar to the District Commissioner's Court at Elmina. Johanna has her miss Mercy Hughes sitting on her lap. Descendants of the 2 women silent live inwards Cape Coast as well as Elmina.
During the 19th century, the Dutch Government tried to heighten its income from the Gold Coast past times developing a aureate mine as well as a cotton wool plantation, both of which failed. More successful was the recruitment exercise the authorities set upwards inwards the 1830s, to enlist African soldiers for service inwards the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia). Most of the recruits came from the north, as well as were provided past times the manlike individual monarch of Ashanti, inwards accordance with a contract he had with the Dutch Government.
Van Dijke
Many of these recruits were originally slaves, who were given their liberty before they embarked inwards Elmina, inwards substitution for a regular armed forces service contract. After the conclusion of the contract, the soldiers could opt for homecoming to the Gold Coast on a pension. Many returned as well as settled inwards Elmina, on what is at nowadays known equally Java Hill. Eventually, the Dutch Government decided that its possessions on the Gold Coast were to a greater extent than a burden than a benefit, as well as transferred them all to the British inwards 1872.
Maria Vitringa Coulon,Elmina one-half caste (mulatto)
In Elmina, equally inwards other places, this gave ascent to world protestation as well as guerrilla activities against the British, inwards which the Ashanti were also involved. The manlike individual monarch (Omanhene) of Elmina, Kobina Gyan, openly pledged his steadfast allegiance to the Dutch. Eventually the British grew tired of all this protest, as well as exiled the manlike individual monarch to Sierra Leone. In June 1873 they also bombarded the old town of Elmina, burning it to the ground completely. The population fled to the countryside as well as settled inwards surrounding villages. For almost a decade Elmina was a ghost town. The site of the old town was transformed into a parade ground as well as never rebuilt. Currently the expanse is a protected archaeological site.From 1880 onwards, at nowadays portion of the British Gold Coast Colony, the town came live again, although it took to a greater extent than than a century before it regained the population flat of the mid-19th century.
Pieter Vitringa Coulon. Pieter, Maria (ca. 1864-1953) as well as Johanna Vitringa Coulon were children of the Dutch colonial official Julius Vitringa Coulon (1824-1878), who served on the Gold Coast betwixt 1853 as well as 1866, as well as Adjua Hogen from Elmina. At the fourth dimension of Muller's visit, Pieter was registrar to the District Commissioner's Court at Elmina. Johanna has her miss Mercy Hughes sitting on her lap. Descendants of the 2 women silent live inwards Cape Coast as well as Elmina.
Elmina businessmen who had done practiced businesses elsewhere returned to their hometown, as well as built large residential houses, often on the ruin of old household unit of measurement houses. The less prosperous portion of the population also returned around this time, as well as mainly settled inwards the expanse known equally Esuekyir (’behind the hill’) as well as New Town. Fishing as well as trading activities gradually picked upwards too, but the old prosperity of the town was lost forever.
Mr. Johannes Adolphus Bartels. Johannes Adolphus Bartels, merchant inwards Elmina. Son of Louis Bartels (ca. 1818-1857). He descended both on his grandfather's as well as grandmother's side from prominent Euro-African families inwards Elmina.
Only inwards the 1920s, when money from aureate as well as cocoa flowed into the town, did expectations of a novel economical dawn return.The typical 1920s-style colonial merchants’ houses built inwards this menses are silent dominant inwards several parts of the Elmina township. Private initiatives to develop Elmina into an economical hub undertaken betwixt 1880 as well as 1920 , including a railway connexion to the mining as well as timber areas of the Western Region as well as the evolution of a modern harbour for intercontinental shipping, did non materialize.
J.W. Ephson, merchant at Elmina. Man inwards top-hat, tail-coat, carrying a walking stick, identified past times Muller equally "Ephson". He is J.W. Ephson who ran his ain mercantile business organisation inwards Elmina inwards the 1880s as well as 1890s.
In recent times, Elmina has go a sub-regional centre of limited economical importance, mainly servicing the needs of its direct surroundings. The port remains the largest traditional line-fishing port of Ghana. Together with Cape Coast, Elmina is a nucleus inwards the Central Region tourism development, with cultural heritage, beach tourism, as well as small-scale natural reserves equally main assets for development. The part as well as Elmina are relatively successful inwards this development, but equally yet few of the benefits of tourism genuinely make the local population as well as the local administration.
Mr. Frederick Isaac Dolphijn ( died 11 Sep 1895 aged 46). Merchant, built a huge merchants' theatre inwards Elmina inwards 1880. He is wearing the costume of a fellow member of a Masonic lodge, or a Masonic-type organisation, of which the Gold Coast had several inwards the nineteenth century.
Majority of the prosperous sons as well as daughters of Elmina take hold left the town as well as live inwards Kumasi, Accra or overseas as well as no longer invest much fourth dimension as well as money inwards the town. Like the local people, however, the Elmina people inwards the Diaspora nurture the unopen relations Elmina had for so long with the Dutch, as well as which are non only visible inwards the monuments as well as sites inwards the town itself, but also inwards the Dutch household unit of measurement names many Ghanaians silent bear.
Johannes Jacobus Cornelis Huydecoper as well as Mr. J.W. Ephson, portrayed together. They were of import members of Elmina elites as well as Gold coast merchants.
Political structure
Regardless of the political claims that may take hold existed over the port town, the Elmina settlement became increasingly autonomous after the founding of the Castelo São Jorge da Mina. By the mid-sixteenth century, the settlement was an independent polity, which expanded with the assistance of the Portuguese as well as the Dutch during the next centuries.
Governor Sir W.B. Griffith, D.C. H. Vroom as well as staff [photograph]
Both British as well as Dutch Komenda would follow a similar path,becoming independent from Eguafo past times the halt of the Komenda Wars inwards the early on eighteenth century, when the prominent trader John Kabes was able to found a novel paramount stool independently of Eguafo (see Henige1974 a:241–242). There is, however,no evidence for kingship at Elmina until much later, as well as fifty-fifty so it is an business office lacking inwards the hierarchical potency typified inwards traditional formulations of the state.Today,the caput of the Edina province is the Omanhen, who rules through monarchical succession. He is viewed equally the political, armed forces as well as religious leader of the Edina state. In contrast to most other Akan groups, inheritance of the spot is considered patrilineal. The Omanhen must also live a fellow member of the Enyampa Asafo as well as a fellow member of either the Anona or Nsona clans. Other of import officials are the province linguist (Oman okyeame), the heads of families (nguabadofo),the heads of the asafo companies (Asafohene), as well as the divisional chiefs. While the organisation of the modern Edina province may appear clear, the origins as well as construction of these features are complex. H5N1 unmarried manlike individual monarch as well as the key role of the Omanhen did non emerge until the eighteenth century (DeCorse 2001a:39–40, 2008; Henige 1974b). Although some writers take hold viewed Caramansa, theAfrican ruler who met with Azambuja at the foundation of Castelo São Jorge da Mina, equally the King of Elmina (one on a listing of rulers stretching dorsum to the thirteenth century) at that spot is no textual evidence for this (for review regard DeCorse 2008). After his initial appearance, Caramansa is non mentioned inwards Portuguese records again. On the basis of the limited contemporary documentation available, Caramansa tin only live described equally a ruler, mayhap either from, or subservient to,a neighbouring polity, but whatever his spot it was non comparable to the
Omanhen of the Edina province known ethno-graphically (Hair 1994:55–56 annotation 37; Henige 1974b:504).
Omanhen
At the apex of Elmina political hierarchy is the paramount main (omanhen or Ohen). The Ohen has divisonal chiefs as well as sub-divisional chiefs nether him. Succession of the ohen also appears to take hold varied at Elmina. The spot may take hold rotated alongside lesser kings as well as non followed strict patrilineal succession, powerfulness eventually beingness centralized inwards a paramount manlike individual monarch or Omanhen. Although succession of the spot is at nowadays regarded equally patrilineal (unlike for representative at Eguafo, or other Akan polities) manlike individual monarch lists propose the actual line of inheritance has been variable. In fact, the number of succession remains a source of keen debate inwards modern Elmina, equally it has inwards other coastal Fante states (see for representative Chouin 1998:65–73, 1999). The Elmina royal courtroom was probable initially undistinguished, with the importance of the Omanhen as well as the royal courtroom becoming fully solidified during the belatedly nineteenth as well as early on twentieth centuries. Even so the caput of the province appears equally only 1 of a serial of political balances, the most of import of which were asafo.
The ownership of ground (including mineral rights) was traditionally vested inwards the household unit of measurement stool, as well as so the caput of household unit of measurement acts equally the custodian, giving individuals the correct to utilization such ground which only returns to the household unit of measurement stool in 1 trial they take hold ceased to utilization it. Common ground is vested inwards the paramount stool. The Omanhen has the powerfulness to grant ground to settlers,and extract tribute from them, which so goes dorsum to the stool (see for representative de Marees 1987 [1602]:110–111).Change inwards how ownership was conceptualized may take hold begun inwards the coastal towns during the belatedly seventeenth as well as eighteenth centuries equally chiefs increasingly attempted to command as well as turn a profit from the land. At Elmina, the earliest bring upwards of private holding (erfgrond)dates to the early on eighteenth century (Algermeen Rijksarchief NBKG 318). H5N1 corollary of the fact that the business office of
Omanhen did non emerge at Elmina until the eighteenth century may take hold been comparatively limited command over the profits afforded past times ground tenure. Occupation of houses, if non private ownership of houses, probable insured ownership within the town. In the surrounding farmlands of the expanding Edina State,allocation past times divisional chiefs as well as lineages continued to live the agency through which ground rights were established. Perception of the commercial value of ground did non start out until the twentieth-century.
Kwamena Essilfie Adjaye, economist as well as proud native of Elmina
Asafo
Among the principal hierarchical structures within the coastal Akan, the asafo are most important. The asafo are armed forces associations based on lineal descent, often associated with specific areas within a town known equally bron or wards.They are characteristic of the coastal Akan, specially within the Fante states.
Edina asafo No 4 fellowship posuban.
Membership is past times patrilineal descent, which to a greater extent than often than non contrasts with the matrilineal orientation of other aspects of Akan business office succession as well as kinship, though the patrilineal inheritance of the spot of "ohen" (chief) at Elmina has been noted (DeCorse 2001a:40–41; also regard Arhin 1966; Christensen 1954:108; Chukwukere 1970, 1980; Danquah1928:16–20, 199–121; Datta as well as Porter 1971:281; de Graft-Johnson 1932; Ffoulkes 1907; Hernaes 1998; Sarbah 1968[1906]:26–32).
Safohen Edward Abraham Ulzen of Edina, the first off registrar of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science as well as Technology (KNUST) inwards Kumasi, inwards his traditional safohen clothes holding a sword of authority
Certain aspects of asafo organization,pageantry as well as symbolism propose European influences, for representative the fellowship structure, the utilization of flags, as well as the representation of European warships as well as uniforms inwards shrines. Nevertheless, the groups are clearly indigenous inwards shape as well as conceptualization. They may stand upwards for Akan institutions, such equally the immature men’s associations inwards Asante (mmerante) that evolved to include novel elements as well as non-traditional groups. In Elmina, for example, asafo included groups made upwards of fellowship slaves, vrijburgers (a sure as shooting grouping of Elmina mulattos), as well as Europeans (see Christensen 1954:107). The asafo provided a machinery through which immature men as well as commoners could limited their opinions. Although often characterized equally serving primarily armed forces or social functions,the asafo are also validated through rituals as well as fealty oaths.Each asafo had its ain shrine inwards which offerings were made.
Dr R P Barffour, first off African vice chancellor of KNUST, native of Elmina
At Elmina the root of asafo probable predate the business office of Omanhen. Beginning inwards the belatedly seventeenth century or early on eighteenth century, the number of leaders noted inwards Dutch records increased, mayhap an indication of the evolution or expansion of the asafo scheme (Henige 1974b:505–506;Baesjou 1979:19; Christensen 1954:107; DeCorse 2001a:40–41; Feinberg 1989:104–108; Wartemberg 1951:53–55). The asafo
organisation may take hold started to emerge inwards neighbouring coastal states, similar Eguafo, at virtually the same fourth dimension (Chouin 1998:129–141). Elmina’s 7 amount asafo were recognized past times 1724, but 3 others were added during the belatedly eighteenth as well as nineteenth centuries. Two of the additions consisted of refugees displaced past times the Fante War of 1810. The concluding asafo was the Akrampa, consisting of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company slaves as well as their descendents. This brought the total number of Elmina asafo to ten, to a greater extent than than whatever other settlement. For example, inwards the twentieth century Eguafo only had iv asafo companies resident inwards the town itself, though the kingdom equally a whole had twelve (Fynn 1974a).The role of the asafo inwards Elmina politics contrasted with other coastal Akan polities, equally the asafo appear to take hold had apreeminent spot inwards the political hierarchy. Most significantly, the asafo determined the election of the kings(Feinberg 1970:24; Henige 1973:226, 1974b: 506–507). The political construction of Elmina is also distinct inwards its lack (prior to 1873) of divisional chiefs, as well as the nineteenth-century creation of the besonfo, a council of wealthy Elmina people that also originated from the asafo (Feinberg 1969:72–89; 1970, 1989;Yarak 1986b:33–34). These institutions to some extent counter-balanced 1 another, but within the Elmina polity all were of secondary importance to the patrilineally linked asafo. The Dutch clearly recognized the primary importance of the
asafo. The overall leader of the asafo (ekuwessonhin) as well as the private fellowship heads all received a larger allowance than the manlike individual monarch (Feinberg 1969:86).
Paa Kwesi Nduom, businessman, as well as presidential candidate of PPP as well as his family, proud natives of Elmina
Such favouritism may take hold fostered a vested involvement inwards the asafo relations with the Dutch.The growing infrastructure of the Elmina polity was commensurate with its increasing political autonomy from the neighbouring states of Efutu as well as Eguafo, as well as the emergence of port towns similar Elmina, Komenda as well as Shama equally competitors for territory from the hinterland states. Elmina originally was limited to the settlement expanse as well as side past times side farmlands. With its emergence equally an independent polity, however,additional ground was incorporated with the aid of the Portuguese as well as the Dutch. By 1813 it had extended equally far to the E equally the Sweet River,the location of the modern boundary (Feinberg1989:77). Presently,the Edina State with Elmina equally the uppercase includes several towns as well as smaller settlements. It is bounded past times the stools of British Komenda inwards the west, Oguaa (Cape Coast) inwards the east, as well as Eguafo to the north. Oral traditions propose some of the villages currently incorp
orated within the Edina State were portion of Eguafo until the nineteenth century (Fynn 1974b:21)
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
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- Anquandah, J, Castles as well as Forts of Ghana, Republic of Ghana Museums & Monuments Board/Atalante, undated: 2000? ( with fine photographs past times Thierry Secretan)
- 59 (of Elmina Castle, quoting Jean Barbot, 1682): This castle has justly go famous for beauty as well as strength, having no equal on all the coasts of Guinea. Built foursquare with rattling high walls of dark chocolate-brown stone so rattling theatre that it may live said to live cannon-proof. On the ground side it has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O sufficient for the utilization of the garrison as well as the ships - canals cutting inwards the stone past times the Portuguese (by blowing upwards the stone piffling past times piffling with gunpowder. The warehouses either for goods or provisions are rattling largely as well as stately ever good furnished."
- Arhin, Kwame (ed.) The Cape Coast as well as Elmina Handbook: Past, nowadays as well as future, Inst. of African Studies, University of Ghana, 1995.Chapter One CAPE COAST AND ELMINA IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, Kwame Arhin
SECTION 2 ELMINA
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
10 The Dutch paid rents or goodwill money on the Castle ground successively to the local authorities, to Denkyera as well as Asante. . . The Dutch also had recourse to local women, produced children as well as built human bridges betwixt the stranger as well as host races. . . they supported their hosts, though only with ammunition, inwards their wars with their neighbours. . . .In the eighteenth as well as nineteenth centuries the Dutch cemented their alliance with Asante; non only through payment of "kostgeld," but also through the periodic substitution of presents which enriched Asante stuff culture. . . the basic indigenous economies of the trading centres were overlaid with occupations relating to the establishment of the European trading-fort. The basic elements of the indigenous economic scheme were cultivation, line-fishing as well as salt-making. In due course of instruction traders from the due north as well as overseas did business organisation inwards the market-place as well as at the houses inwards the village, as well as tillage as well as line-fishing advanced beyond subsistence: Cape Coast as well as Elmina were alongside the earliest centres of money economic scheme inwards the territories at nowadays embraced past times modern Ghana.
11 . . . The traditional socio-political organisation of Elmina was strongly modified past times its frontier as well as trading status. The basis construction was 1 of matrilineage localized inwards wards, whose heads, united inwards a constituted council, as well as led past times 1 of them, acted equally the supreme potency of the town as well as its subordinate or satellite villages. Headship of the Council was custom-determined inwards favour of the manlike individual descendants of the founder of the town who, alongside the Akan, are known equally the aristocrats/royals, adehyee. Headships of wards as well as villages are similarly determined, spell such offices equally those of spokesmen, akyeame, are vested inwards sure as shooting matrilineages.
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
- Hyland, A. D. C.. Chapter Two THE CASTLES OF ELMINA AND CAPE COAST, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO TOWNS
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
This is the oldest surviving European edifice inwards the torrid zone . . . the castle which the Portuguese began to build inwards 1482 was substantially complete, to its original plan, past times 1486 . . . several years before Columbus crossed the Atlantic . . . or Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope as well as opened upwards the sea route to India.
14 . . . In 1637, the Dutch made their concluding onrush on Elmina. . . Finally on the August 28 or 29, 1637, the Portuguese surrendered as well as handed over the castle to the Dutch, who were to remain masters of Elmina for over 200 years. . . As presently equally the Dutch were established inwards Elmina, they set virtually improving the defences . . . as well as . . . repairing the considerable harm caused past times the bombardment.
15 . . . the colina of St. Jago was fortified . . . Named Coenraadsburg past times the Dutch, the Fort was completed past times 1666 . . .
16 Elmina was the first off town on the Gold Coast of whatever architectural pretension; silent situated on the narrow peninsula betwixt the Benya Lagoon as well as the sea, the older portion of the town, characterized past times its steeply pitched thatched roof houses, . . remained at that spot until it was razed to the ground past times the British inwards 1873. During the eighteenth century, the town was silent rattling dependent on the Castle . . . In the early on years of the century . . . the main block fronting the Great Court was remodelled; as well as after inwards the century, the Governor's spot inwards the southward tower was extended past times edifice a wing higher upwards the main entrance of the Castle.
17 (A) map of 1799 shows Elmina equally it was during the early on years of Governor Bartels' administration, at which fourth dimension Elmina reached the apogee of its prestige as well as prosperity. Carl Ludwig Bartels, who was governor from 1789-1804, had been inwards Dutch authorities service inwards Elmina for many years previously, as well as had built a substantial theatre inwards the old town, unopen to the river, for his married adult woman as well as household unit of measurement inwards 1786.
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
- Astley, Thomas (ed) H5N1 New General Collection of Voyages as well as Travels Vol II London 1745
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
398 Captain Thomas Phillips 1693. Fort of Mina. They took a walk before dinner virtually the Castle which is old as well as built upon a stone after the Portuguese fashion, from whom the Dutch plundered it. It had iv flankers as well as virtually 18 guns inwards all, those towards the sea practiced as well as long as well as some of them brass; the walls are pretty high as well as the Gate potent which faces the continent. In the midst of the fort is their warehouse, kitchen as well as lodgings of the soldiers, over which at that spot are 3 or iv little rooms for the Factors. A keen portion of the roof as well as wall of that wherein they dined was fallen down. For dinner they had some muscovy duck, kid, fish as well as store of other provision. What Phillips liked best was a Yam pudding which consume rattling gratefully, managed past times the French Doctor, with carbohydrate as well as orangish juice. They had plenty of Punch as well as Stummed Rhenish wine; but a drinkable called Kokoro, looking similar sparse whey, as well as is a sort of palm wine, he preferred to whatever other. He thought it drank similar mead or rather Verdy, or white Florence wine, equally they telephone telephone it at Livorno. Dinner beingness over as well as the King's health, the African Company's as well as theirs beingness drank, each with a salvo of screw? guns, they were invited to select a walk, where the Negroes used to dance, virtually a quarter of a mile from the fort nether 2 or 3 rattling large Cotton trees, of which their canoes are made. Seats as well as liquor beingness brought, presently after came the musick, beingness 3 dark fellows with the similar number of hollow elephant teeth, through which they made a hideous bellowing as well as were accompanied past times some other who shell a hollow slice of brass with a stick. Then came Mr. Rawlisson (Dutch factor from Axim) the factor's wife, a pretty immature Mulatto, with a rich silk cloth virtually her middle as well as a silk cap upon her head, flowered with aureate as well as silver, nether which her pilus was combed out at length. For the mulattos covet to vesture it so inwards mistaken of the whites, never curling it upwards or letting it friz equally the blacks do. She was attended past times the Second's as well as Doctor's wives, immature blacks virtually thirteen. After the English linguistic communication had saluted them they went to trip the low-cal fantastic past times turns, inwards a ridiculous manner, making antic gestures with their arms, shoulders as well as heads, their feet having the to the lowest degree percentage inwards the action. They began moderately, but quickened their motions past times degrees, till at the latter halt they appeared perfecftly furious as well as distracted. . . The Town is on the East side, containing virtually an hundred houses or huts, straight along the banks of a river which empties itself into the sea close the castle, at the oral fissure of which is a landing place. The Author saw higher upwards an hundred men as well as women with pails on the side of the river, who they told him were washing of sand as well as dirt inwards search of aureate dust.
399 Sukkandi: went ashore at the English linguistic communication castle where found Mr. Johnson inwards his bed raving mad, through resentment of an affront spot on him past times 1 Van Hukeline, the Copeman or merchant of the Mina Castle. . . One Taguba, a noted Negro wench inwards Cape Coast town, gotten with kid past times some of the soldiers of the castle, was brought to bed of a mulatto girl, who growing virtually 11 years old, this Johnson, so a factor at Cape Coast, had a keen fancy for her as well as purposed to select her for his married adult woman (as they select wives inwards Guinea. . . note, That is, during Pleasure) and beingness virtually that fourth dimension removed to live main Factor at Sekondi, inwards monastic tell to create sure as shooting of the girl, he took her at that spot to live with him, till she was of historic menses check for conjugal embraces, using her with much tenderness as well as taking keen satisfaction inwards her fellowship for 2 or 3 years. But when she was grown up, beingness a pretty girl, Vanhukeline, past times bribes as well as presents corrupted her woman parent Taguba. . . girl kidnapped. Johnson after murdered on orders of Vanhukeline (who presently cracked the nut Johnson had been so long cooking to his ain tooth). When Phillips dined with the Dutch General at the Mina, he saw her there, beingness brought to trip the low-cal fantastic before them, rattling fine, bearing the championship Madam Vanhukeline. This as well as some other old differences with the Dutchman, had quite turned his brain.
400 Cape Coast castle. Before their departure, Captain Shirley as well as he entertained the Agents, Factors as well as other officers at Dinner inwards a foursquare summerhouse which stands inwards the middle of the Castle grounds.
401 Bought Indian corn for provision of the slaves to Barbados. The allowance beingness a pectus which contains virtually iv bushes for every Negro. Palm Oil.
401 . . . both dined with him aboard, with their wives, who were Mulattos. This he says is a pleasant way of marrying, for they tin plough their wives off, as well as select other at Pleasure, which makes them rattling careful to sense of humour their husbands inwards washing their linen, cleaning their chambers etc as well as the accuse of keeping them is piffling or nothing.
402 Winneba. Filled some H2O as well as cutting practiced store of firewood past times the Queen's permission. Their Queen is virtually l years old, dark equally jet, but rattling corpulent. They went to pay their respects to her nether a keen tree where she sat. She received them rattling kindly as well as made her attendants trip the low-cal fantastic after their way before them. She was gratis of his kisses to Mr. . . whom she seemed much to esteem. They presented her with an anchor of brandy each as well as some hands of tobacco. She was so extremely civil before they parted equally to offering each of them a bedfellow of her immature Maids of Honour spell they continued there, but they modestly declined her majesty's offer.
Here the author saw many guinea hens as well as diverse other fowl but was pleased most with the herd of wild deer ranging the plains. He saw at to the lowest degree v hundred at once, but so wild, that they could shoot none. Here are likewise large baboons, some equally large equally keen mastiffs. They go l or an hundred together. They are unsafe to live met with, especially past times women, whom (as the Author was credibly assured) they often seize as well as ravish to expiry past times lying with them 1 after the other.
402 Akra. Phillips bought a v manus canoe of the Black General who had seized the Danes fort there. (1693) It seems it was surprised past times a packet of negros, privately armed, who got inwards nether the pretence of trade, and having stabbed his 2nd spell he was showing them the goods dispersed to secure all the other inwards the castle, a political party lying concealed without to assist them upon signal given. The General hearing the tumult came out of his sleeping accommodation sword inwards manus to regard what was the affair as well as was instantly assaulted past times 2 blacks against whom he made practiced his ground for some time, calling out for assistance. But no to a greater extent than coming as well as to a greater extent than blacks pressing on he flung himself out of a window as well as fled to the Dutch after he had received several wounds 1 of which had disabled his left arm.
This Black General (now go governor) sent 2 of his servants to invite Mr B1 as well as Mr. B2 as well as the Captain to dine. While they accepting, were carried inwards hammocks he had sent to attend them. The guard at the castle demanded their swords, which all delivered but Phillips who refused. The General having been acquainted with it, came as well as told him it was his custom. The other replied, that mightiness be, but it was never the custom of English linguistic communication commanders to portion with their swords upon whatever business organisation human relationship whatsoever. In which finding him resolute the General seeming satisfied led them inwards showing them the way into the Dining Room which was past times climbing a ladder as well as entering through a hole or scuttle. When they were ascended, he drank to them as well as all the guns inwards the fort were discharged. After they had walked virtually a quarter of an threescore minutes inwards the castle, Phillips pulled off his sword of his ain accord, which, he perceived the King took rattling kindly.
They were treated with plenty punch as well as victuals, which were pretty good dressed. For the governor had been ready to 1 of the English linguistic communication factories as well as at nowadays went rattling often into the kitchen to give the necessary orders. Though at dinner he was inwards keen state, having a negro man child with a pistol at each side of him for a guard. He drank the King of England's the African company's as well as his guests' healths ofttimes with volleys of cannon of which he fired virtually 200 during their remain there. The flag he was flight was white with a dark homo painted inwards the middle brandishing a scimitar. . . In their way dorsum to the English linguistic communication castle (4 miles to the west) they killed 4 hares with clubs. This vermin frequents inwards vast number the sedge as well as furzes which are hereabouts rattling thick. Phillips thought them rattling insipid meat. Next twenty-four hours arrived 2 Danish ships with 26 guns each sent on purpose from Kingdom of Denmark to care for with the Black General virtually surrendering the fort. . . which he delivered upwards (after bargaining) upon signing of an musical instrument to quit all pretension of reparation or satisfaction from the Black General or his Accomplices, for seizing the castle, equally also the merchandizes as well as goods, as well as l marks of aureate that were inwards it as well as to pay downward 50 to a greater extent than at the delivery.
Chap III Rev Fr. Godfrey Lovyer, a Jacobine. Abstract of a voyage to Iffini on the Gold Coast. (This must live the Nzima coast.) - The next twenty-four hours 7.6.21 they came to Cape Tres Puntas ...story of Kaboshir, John Conny, who broke the heads of some of the crew regarding payment for H2O inwards casks.
On an side past times side colina stood the Danish (or equally some say the Brandenburgers') fort which some few years since having been relinquished past times them as well as thereby fallen inwards John Conny's possession, has occasioned some contests betwixt him as well as the Dutch. These last, pretending a championship of purchase, inwards 1720 sent a bomb-vessel, as well as 2 or 3 frigates to demand a surrendering; but John beingness a bold as well as subtil fellow, weighing their strength, answered, that he expected some musical instrument should live shown him to confirm the Brandenburgers' sale; as well as fifty-fifty with that, says he, I tin seen no pretence but to the ground was non theirs to dispose of. They take hold paid me rent for it (continues he) as well as since they take hold thought check to remove, I do non blueprint to tenant it out to whatever other white men spell I live. This sort of Palaver nettled the British; who threw inwards some bombs as well as shot; then to a greater extent than inflamed with rage as well as brandy, rashly landed 40 of their men, nether command of their lieutenant, to onrush the Town. They fired in 1 trial without whatever harm as well as so John at the caput of his men, rushing from nether the cover of the houses with greater force, cutting them inwards pieces , paving the entrance of his spot presently after with their skulls. This payoff made him rattling exact with everybody virtually what he called his dues, though just inwards Trade. When the English linguistic communication had returned to a practiced understanding (about the H2O MIH) the author (Atkins) with some other officers paid him a visit. The southerly winds made so keen a surf, that their landing was unsafe non to live performed past times their ain boats, but past times the canoes of his sending, for which they paid an akki. The Negro count the seas as well as know when to paddle safely on or off. John himself stood on the shore to have them attended past times a guard of 20 or 30 men nether brilliant arms, who conducted him to his house. This was a pretty large edifice raised from the materials of the fort. It ascended with a double stone staircase without, of 12 steps. On that flooring are 3 practiced rooms, 1 his armoury, some other his chamber, with a standing bed inwards it, as well as the 3rd for amusement of guests, furnished with tables, chairs, etc.
450 The way to it lay through 2 courtyards, the outer had houses for officers as well as servants belonging to him. The inner (a spacious square) had a ground room as well as practiced armoury past times the entrance , with piazzas to accommodate his guard, as well as copy inwards some mensurate the grandeur of the Prussian governors with whom John had been a retainer for some years. From them he had taken inwards his punctilio, as well as knew how to spot on a important countenance. He was a potent made man, virtually fifty, of a sullen look, as well as commanded the observe of beingness bare headed from all the Negroes virtually him that were with caps.
565 plate LX H5N1 map of the Gold Coast, M D'Anville 1729
King of Asiante (very powerful) -> ground of Akanni (formerly rattling powerful as well as rich inwards aureate -> Abrambo/Kabesterra, Fetu kingdom -> St. George de Mina H. Conraedsburgh H. Ekki tekki or piffling Kommendo C.H.
Cape Coast shown equally Oegwa
Gt. Kommendo shown inland due north of Elmina.
589 Plate 61 Prospect of the coast from El Mina to Mourri from Barbot as well as Smith.
6 ships off Elmina. 4 to a greater extent than off Fort Royal at Manfrow (between Cape Coast as well as Mouri) Ships take hold 3 tall masts with long sparse flags flight at their heads. Inclined mast at each end. Large national flag higher upwards the deck at the stern. Picture of the Sun inscribed on the stern. Two rows of foursquare windows with 2 horizontal as well as 2 vertical bars. A. Negro canoas carrying slaves aboard at Manfrow. Three slaves inwards front, iv paddlers at rear, 1 steering. All stripped to the waist.
Prospect of St. Georges Castle at El Mina from Barbot as well as Dapper. View from the east, offshore. Castle has high walls, little beach below. Huge flag (three horizontal stripes) flight from post on top of steeple. Crossed on ridges of all the roofs. Village seen behind (to westward of castle) Rectangular unmarried storey buildings with ridged roofs. Bridge on many piles wit delineate span inwards Dutch style. Tall mast seen upstream inwards the the lagoon. Only 1 edifice North of the span except for Conraedsburg on St. Jago.
636 Gold trinkets worn equally spells. Gold horn. Gold chapeau band. Necklace. Arm rings. Large wooden stools. Scales for gold. Krakra gold, pea weight, Fe pin, money. Piece of aureate (like coral) Hair combs, 3 or 4 teeth.
669 Gold Coast music from Barbot. Snappers or castagnets. Blowing horns or trumpets. Musical tongs two pronged shape with striking rod. Brass kettle manus bells. Brass Bafon? Flutes. Drum. Royal drum. Small drum. Sort of Cittern 4 stringed instrument, board with calabash? behind.
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
- Bech, Niels & Hyland, H5N1 D C. Elmina a Conservation Study UST Occasional written report 17 1978 (notes)
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
Fort on St. Jago Hill called Coenraadsburg
Elmina town situated on narrow peninsula betwixt Benya lagoon as well as the sea until 1873 when it was razed to the ground.
In 18th century the expanse around St. Jago colina was covered past times the castle's vegetable as well as fruit gardens serving also equally a spot of relaxation
By the halt of the 18th century plantations, marketplace spot gardens, pavilions, little buildings. Well defined route layout (w of lagoon)
Map of 1799. Bridge existed. Map past times J. Berseman - General State Archives The Hague.
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
- DeCorse, Christopher R. AN ARCHAEOLOGY OF ELMINA: Africans as well as Europeans on the Gold Coast, 1400-1900
- Examines a complex African settlement on the coast of present-day Republic of Ghana from the fifteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Explores developments at that spot inwards the low-cal of European expansion as well as illustrates remarkable cultural continuity inwards the midst of technological change. BNS, 73 b/w illus, fourteen maps, 5 tables, 288pp, USA . SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT, 1560989718 2001 HB GBP34.50
- Everts, Natalie, Cherchez la femme : gender-related issues inwards eighteenth-century Elmina, Itinerario: (1996), vol. 20, no. 1, p. 45-57.
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history/itin/itin.htm
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
- Feinberg, H.M. Elmina, Ghana : a history of its evolution as well as human relationship with the Dutch inwards the eighteenth century Boston : Boston University, 1969. - XX, 260 p. ; Thesis Boston University, 1969.
- Summary : Studies Elmina's political development, growth as well as daily life. The human relationship of Elmina with the Dutch is analyzed from the standpoint of the meeting of 2 cultures to determine the grade of impingement of the Dutch on the Elminan way of life as well as the legacy of this civilisation contact.
- Feinberg, H.M., An incident inwards Elmina-Dutch relations, the Gold Coast (Ghana), 1739-1740 African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 359-372..
- Summary : The human relationship betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch is to a greater extent than often than non considered to take hold been peaceful as well as mutually cooperative. In 1739 however, a serious conflict arose betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch. On May 26 or 27, 1739, Director General de Bordes forbade Elminan canoes to leave of absence the Benya River to fish inwards the sea. He also ordered his subordinates to seize whatever nutrient coming to Elmina by sea as well as on the forenoon of the 27th a number of boats loaded with corn were seized past times West Republic of Republic of India Company slaves. The Elminans sought an explanation from de Bordes but received no satisfaction. They were ordered to leave of absence the castle; the castle gates were closed, as well as inwards a small spell fighting commenced. This conflict is discussed according to the next outline: 1. a listing of events from May 27, 1739 to virtually March 21, 1740, 2. the points of view on causes; 3. the costs to the Dutch; 4. the effect of the conflict on the Elminans. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Palaver on the Gold Coast : Elmina-Dutch cooperation during the eighteenth century African Perspectives: (1979), no. 2, p. 11-20.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Elmina Town inwards the eighteenth century - Los Angeles : African studies association, 1984. ASA, Los Angeles, 25-28 October, 1984.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Hutton, William, H5N1 voyage to Africa, London, 1821
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
Great credit is due to the Dutch for the improvements which they take hold carried on here. Besides a harbour for little vessels, at that spot are piers, wharfs, as well as cranes, for landing goods. The ground also is also ameliorate cultivated than at whatever other portion of the coast; nearly 2 miles at the dorsum of' the town, are good set out inwards beds of ground-nuts as well as Mr. Neiser has made a fine plantation with 35,000 cotton wool trees, virtually 2 miles from the castle, as well as cutting a route to it, at to the lowest degree xxx feet broad, at his ain expence. I rode into the ground with this gentleman, when I was finally at Elmina, as well as was astonished at the improvements he had made. He so informed me that he had lxxx men employed inwards making a java plantation; as well as it is to live hoped many others inwards Africa volition follow Mr. Neiser's example, which is the most effectual way to cultivate the country, as well as civilize the natives. The gardens at Elmina, containing oranges, pineapples, sour soups, as well as other tropical fruits, likewise vegetables of all descriptions, do keen credit to the Dutch as well as the English linguistic communication at our head-quarters are ofttimes obliged to them for a provide of these articles. Mr. Neiser's hospitality deserves to live specially mentioned.
The town of Elmina is the only 1 on the coast which is built with stone, as well as also the only 1 that is paved. There is 1 broad street before the fort, but the town is badly set out, the houses beingness all built unopen together, without to a greater extent than than sufficient infinite to walk betwixt them.
The number of inhabitants may amount to viii thousand; and, similar most of the natives residing on the coast, they fish with the cast-net regularly every morning, excepting on their fetish days.
Although Elmina belongs to Warsaw, the manlike individual monarch does non forbid the inhabitants from exercising municipal authority. These people were guilty of an human activity some years ago, which tin never live forgotten. The governor, Hoogenboom, having given them some get of offence, they beset him 1 even at the billiard-table as well as murdered him inwards the most inhuman manner. Elmina is the easternmost maritime town inwards the kingdom of Warsaw, as well as Chama the most western. I take hold already stated that this ground is tributary to Ashantee, as well as take hold described the diverse towns on the coast which I take hold been at; but never having been inwards the interior of this kingdom, I volition non sweat a description of it.
The Warsaws carry on a considerable merchandise with Europeans, inwards aureate as well as ivory as well as are to a greater extent than remarkable for honesty than their neighbours the Fantees.
If they take hold whatever palaver (dispute), the Pynins as well as Cabboceers (Pynins as well as Cabboceers signify the magistrates or caput men of the town, the chiefs) get together to hear the parties, which sometimes occupies them a whole day, equally they are extremely clever inwards argument, as well as volition ofttimes utter for hours together. When the Pynins cannot create upwards one's hear to the satisfaction of the parties inwards town, they get together inwards the fort as well as submit the instance to the determination of the governor .
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
- Lawrence, A. W. Trade Castles as well as Forts of West Africa, Jonathan Cape, London, 1963 (quotations as well as notes) See also Lawrence, A. W. Fortified Trade Posts: The English linguistic communication inwards West Africa 1645-1822, Jonathan Cape, London, 1968 (recast inwards a shortened shape as well as retitled) Copyright stuff is used hither with the permission of the owners, the Trustees of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Trust.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
32 Dutch maintained a cotton wool plantation close Axim as well as Shama 1765-83
49 Senior as well as junior officers, gratis artisans, soldiers, slaves for indoor as well as outdoor work. Paid (sometimes live-in) gratis Africans or mulattoes. If necessary Governor mightiness fifty-fifty larn supplies from a unusual fort inwards the neighbourhood. In 1778 Cape Coast borrowed cartridge newspaper from Elmina. In 1780 Elmina sold 55 fathoms of novel 5" cable, weight 274 lbs. at 1 oz of aureate per 100 lbs. for a schooner of the English linguistic communication company.
Loneliness: mutual business organisation normally arranged past times letter.
Only Members of Council or Company's seamen made regular journeys. Officers jumped at the take chances of going visiting, several hours past times canoe or inwards a hammock carried past times 1 or 2 couples of men.
Different companies entertained 1 another, relations superficially amicable, business organisation rivalry, spies, plots.
1779. 'The indefatigable pains as well as perseverance, peculiar to the Dutch, with which they past times degrees endeavour inwards futurity to convey virtually their dear as well as political but diabolical conception to forcefulness the English linguistic communication town of Komenda into uniting with their ain protectorate across the river.
Tedium, strains, isolation, conditions of physical as well as mental distress, grumbling, bad temper. Open dissensions as well as quarreling at the Governor's table. Maudlin as well as assertive recollections of elderly governor. Senior officers mightiness adjust for Africans to drum as well as trip the low-cal fantastic inwards the garden for their entertainment. Main characteristic of conviviality was drinking. Dutch favoured neat brandy or rum. English mixed their brandy with lime juice, carbohydrate as well as water. Drank to excess.
English allowed men to pass the nighttime inwards the town as well as to convey women into the fort. Dutch inflicted heavy penalties for both offences. Dutch allowed men exterior forts only inwards daylight. Gates unbolted at twenty-four hours break, slaves living inwards huts exterior reported for duty. Africans from elsewhere mightiness come upwards inwards to purchase as well as sell. Lengthy process, values reckoned inwards weight of gold. Slaves brought firewood - large amounts required. Arrival of ships interrupted everyone's routine. When the fort's sentinel sighted approaching sails, the flag was hoisted as well as preparations made to have the vessel. Canon made ready (is it a pirate?) Friendly man-o-war or ship with VIP entitled to a salute of so many guns. Cargo brought ashore past times canoes or little boats belonging to the fort. Canoemen organized past times a bumboy, gratis African employed past times the fort. Transport of goods from the beach to storerooms done past times slaves, on their heads. Clerical staff hard worked, inventory of incomings, calculating prices. Ship's original inwards a hurry - scared of illness affecting his crew. Medical precautions. Men non to drinkable palmwine. Unsuitable living quarters, pitiable diet, habitual drunkenness, savage punishments. Malaria, yellowish fever, waterborne diseases. Dutch began with the intention of keeping chaplain's post filled - provided a little library of devotional books (1645). Soon resorted to unordained preachers. Dutch company's board inwards Amsterdam ever prohibited concubinage with local women; practice flourished none the less, though inwards secret. Dutch governor's tabular array had (1722) x dishes of victuals, diverseness of beer as well as wine, attendance of 6 negro servants, each a aureate chain circular his neck. Wheat imported, issued out against pay inwards the shape of biscuit. Stocks ran out. Guinea corn or maize used instead. Fresh meat seldom obtained fifty-fifty past times officers, vegetables grown for commander's table. Unprivileged Europeans relied on salted or smoked meat, flour, cheese, butter. Ignored the abundance of fresh fish. Every underground cistern was walled, floored as well as vaulted inwards brick. Rectangular box-like brick conducted H2O from roofs to channels which ran beneath the paving of the courtyard.
122 Re Elmina. Rationalization past times the Dutch 1637-82. Layout inwards 1637 was inwards full general equally today. Buildings contained doorways as well as windows lined with Dutch brick on upper floors. Dutch rarely used the give-and-take bastion. Majority of Dutch piece of work undertaken for improvement - to obtain weatherproof store rooms (ground floor); to increment living accommodation (above). Upper storeys are floored with wood as well as covered with apartment or gabled roofs according to the width of span.
123 In places the Dutch added 2 or to a greater extent than storeys. By 1774 the reconstruction had been virtually completed. Enormous volume of newspaper accumulated from 1675-1791 past times 2nd Dutch fellowship as well as equally yet uncalendered.
124 Based on written report past times Michael Hemmersham, Nuremberg goldsmith, 1639 -1645 at Elmina. When y'all come upwards within the castle at that spot is a large opened upwards infinite on which is a church building that nowadays is used equally a buying as well as trading house. East bastion . . . there a bell on the walls is pulled past times the soldiers as well as struck equally often equally the hours are struck alongside us on our towers. If you climb upwards some steps at that spot y'all come upwards to a tower (north circular tower) inwards which lived the Treasurer as well as higher upwards him the Crew Master (Commodore) who is inwards command of the ships. If y'all go upwards some other stair, on your left is a gallery within the castle to the outward (an enclosed passage behind the outer wall of the rectangular block) But on your correct is a well-built breastwork, from which y'all go downward 3 or iv steps as well as on your correct manus come upwards to the battery on which prevarication nine cannon cast inwards brass. This is called the Governor's battery since his spot is unopen past times (in the rectangular block) through which y'all tin go as well as come upwards downward in 1 trial again to the courtyard. . .
In my fourth dimension a passage was built around the N Tower where the Treasurer has his spot as well as a bell was brought from Sao Tome as well as hung at that spot on the walls so equally to strike the hours both past times twenty-four hours as well as past times night. Riverine yard called the truthful cat yard, where many civet cats are kept. The perfume manufacture - an of import 1 inwards those times of piffling washing - relied greatly on the odorous secretions of civets, which, inwards captivity could live deprived of their scent twice weekly. Dutch handgrip the castle garrisoned with people of High German as well as depression countries race. Whatever a man's organized religious belief mightiness be, nosotros held our Sundays with prayer, reading as well as singing inwards the Governor's quarters inwards the keen hall, which was hung with pikes, muskets as well as similar weapons.
129 1645 Governor had a kitchen built exterior the church building betwixt the pillars, 11' long past times 5'6" wide. Castle armed with 21 large brass guns including 1 48-pounder mortar, 6 - 24 pounders 1 - fourteen pounder canon, 5 - 12 pounders, 3000 canon balls of iron, 153 of stone, 53 - 12 lb 130 - 8 lb mortar bombs 53 spare muskets, 20 anchors, 200 - 1000 lb (for sale), canvas for sails, salted or dried food, 41 barrels of meat = 8 tons, 500 lbs of common salt fish, 85 Europeans, 184 slaves (ate African food) Garrison of 69 officers as well as men, Governor, 4 Europeans concerned solely with trade, nine inwards accuse of handicrafts, a lay preacher (or comforter) who at this fourth dimension conducted religious services on Th as well as Sunday, acted equally a medical dispenser inwards the absence of a chaplain as well as doctor.
From fourth dimension to fourth dimension a chaplain had been appointed but invariably resigned as well as went dorsum to Holland. Small collection of pious books, 72 copies of the Psalms. Medical stores: 147 varieties of ointments, plasters, drugs, etc.
No 1 was allowed out inwards the evenings as well as so the occupants of the castle mightiness take hold escaped malaria as well as yellowish fever, because the air current off the sea keeps mosquitoes away. . . Fort St. Iago enjoys no such immunity. System of guarding it past times roster exposed the entire garrison to infection.
On slopes around the fort as well as inwards valley beyond grew fruit, salads as well as greenish vegetables - preventatives of scurvy. Soldiers' lodgings backed against the drape wall of the keen courtyard: admitted air on 1 side only as well as pelting ofttimes came through the roof. Roofs to a greater extent than often than non tiled. Wood of roofs as well as floors constantly needed replacement. Timber was cutting at Shama or Axim as well as shipped along the coast on the ketches built at that spot past times the Dutch, sawn upwards past times castle slaves. Company vaulted all storage infinite since tiled roofs leaked. Bricks from The Netherlands came out equally ballast, thin, cream to greyish yellow.
132 1682 Castle is built square, with rattling high walls of a dark chocolate-brown stone. Garrison 100 white men as well as perhaps equally many dark soldiers, all inwards the Company's pay. Drawbridge is defended past times a redoubt (the W bastion) with 8 Fe guns as well as a ditch inwards the stone 20ft. deep as well as 18ft broad with an Fe portcullis as well as 4 brass pattereroes within the gate as well as a large guardroom next to it. On the ground side the castle has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O for the utilization of garrison as well as ships.
Besides 3 rattling fine cisterns within the place, each holding several hundred tuns to salve the rain, so that garrison is inwards no keen danger of wanting water. . . There is room inwards the castle for a garrison of 200 men as well as several officers. The general's (governor's) lodgings are higher upwards inwards the castle, the ascent to which is upwards a large white as well as dark stone staircase, defended at the top past times 2 brass guns as well as 4 pattereroes of the same metal. . . as well as a guard room, pretty large, next to which is a keen hall total of little arms of several sorts, equally an arsenal, through which as well as past times a by-passage y'all larn into a fine long gallery, all wainscoted, at each halt of which at that spot are large drinking glass windows, as well as through it is the way to the general's lodgings, containing several practiced chambers as well as offices along the ramparts.
133 The compting houses particularly, are large, finely fitted for the manufacturing flora accomtants bookkeepers as well as servants, inwards all threescore persons.
142 Governor's kitchen, close W corner of the 2nd floor, contains a fireplace as well as a chimney; all the officers ate at the governor's table, hence the enormous size.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
- Lever, J.T., Mulatto influence on the Gold Coast inwards the early on nineteenth century : Jan Nieser of Elmina / . In: African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 253-261.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Van Dantzig, Albert, Castles as well as Forts of Republic of Ghana equally a Collective Historical Monument, inwards Maggie Dodds (ed.), History of Ghana, American Women's Association, Accra, 1974.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
Now forts as well as castles of course of instruction nosotros observe inwards many parts of the world. Most of the forts as well as castles nosotros know exterior Republic of Ghana are either armed forces forts or left over from the Middle Ages, the Feudal era, as well as inwards that instance they are often grown out into palaces. An representative of the extreme shape of palaces growing out of forts is the Versailles Palace close Paris. But the forts as well as castles exterior Europe took mostly the character, specially if they were built past times Europeans, of outposts or strongholds similar y'all take hold inwards the United States of America - similar Fort Worth, Fort Duquesne; hither inwards Africa too, such equally Fort Lamy, an representative of armed forces outpost. What nosotros take hold inwards Republic of Ghana is rather unique, this whole serial of merchandise forts. The genuinely interesting thing of all the forts as well as castles of Republic of Ghana is non so much the private buildings which genuinely are, let's confront it, less impressive than Versailles or the chateaux along the Loire inwards France, but rather the forts as well as castles equally a collective historical monument. Because what is genuinely most surprising as well as interesting is that over less than 300 miles of coastline, inwards a relatively small menses of virtually 3 centuries, non less than threescore fortified merchandise posts of diverse kinds were built. (The original text has a unproblematic map of the coast showing the next forts as well as castles listed from E to west:
Keta (Fort Prindesten),
Ada (Fort Kongesten),
Ningo (Fort Fredensborg),
Prampram (Fort Vernon),
Kpone,
Tema,
Teshie (Fort Augustaborg),
Accra (Christiansborg/Osu Castle,
Fort Crevecoeur/Ussher Fort, James Fort),
Senya Bereku (Fort de Goede Hoop/Good Hope),
Winneba,
Apam (Fort Leydsaamheyd),
Tantumquery,
Amoku,
Kormantin (Fort Amsterdam),
Anomabu (Fort William),
Mori (Fort Nassau),
Cape Coast (Cape Coast Castle),
Elmina (St. George d'Elmina, Fort Conraadsburg),
Komenda (Fort Vrendenbourgh),
British Komenda,
Shama (St. Sebastian),
English Secondi,
Dutch Secondi (Fort Orange),
Takoradi (Fort Witsen),
Butri (Fort Batenstein),
Dixcove, kwidi (Fort Dorethea),
Fort Duma, Takrama (Fort Louise),
Princes Town (Gross Frederichsburg/Fort Hollandia),
Fort Ruychaver, Axim (Fort St. Anthony),
Ankobra (Elise Carthago),
Beyin.
We could inwards a way regard the whole set of forts as well as castles as well as merchandise lodges inwards Republic of Ghana equally a sort of huge shopping street - shopping street of a few government-sponsored trading companies which did non sell for money so much equally for merchandise goods from Africa - a sort of barter merchandise therefore. Although nosotros should non forget that nosotros did take hold hither on the coast a currency inwards the shape of aureate dust.
The diverse establishments of the European companies, the chartered companies, vary greatly inwards importance, ranging from the large castles - inwards fact at that spot are only 3 castles inwards Ghana; Elmina, which was the headquarters of the Portuguese, after the Dutch; Cape Coast Castle, built past times the British; Christiansborg Castle hither inwards Accra, built past times the Danes. Those large castles had several hundred large guns, large garrisons, commercial officials as well as authorities officials as well as at a. after stage, the existent craftsmen. There was a considerable number of castle slaves also - often craftsmen themselves. In many respects these large castles tin live seen equally mini-cities genuinely but depression inwards the scale nosotros take hold the ordinary forts. And fifty-fifty the Prussian headquarters at Gross Frederichsburg, at Princes Town, was never called anything other than a fort. Of course of instruction it was much smaller than the other 3 castles. These forts often had upwards to virtually l guns, a commercial as well as armed forces commander united inwards 1 person, with a few soldiers as well as few officials for commerce. Then finally at that spot was a large number of so-called lodges which were mostly manned only past times civil assistants non past times existent fighters. Often they were only occupied when ships came to anchor for trade as well as they mostly had only rudimentary forms of defense forcefulness with 1 bastion, 2 or 3 guns, or the rather peculiar instance of the Dutch lodge at Mount Congh, at nowadays called Queen Ann's Point, close Cape Coast, virtually which it was reported at the halt of the 17th century: �We take hold hither 1 homo with an axe.�
Why did the forts as well as castles fountain upwards hither inwards Republic of Ghana inwards such keen density, 1 may ask. There are several reasons for this as well as 1 of the to a greater extent than of import is perhaps but of geography. Both E as well as westward of Republic of Ghana - the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire as well as into Togo, Dahomey as well as Nigeria expanse - nosotros take hold only depression sandy coasts backed past times a scheme of lagoons with to a greater extent than often than non rather unsafe surf; no natural harbours; whereas only inwards this expanse from the Volta to roughly Cape Three Points nosotros take hold this quite different type of coast with many natural harbours - piffling bays as well as coves with promontories rattling useful for edifice forts which were aiming at defending the sea-roads inwards forepart of a sure as shooting expanse which was developed equally a trading area. Then some other payoff of the Gold Coast was that aureate was found as well as mined at fairly unopen distance from the coast, which nosotros don't observe either E or west. Furthermore, inwards the menses inwards which the forts were built - betwixt the 15th as well as 18th centuries - Europe had an insatiable demand for gold. Finally, perhaps 1 of the most of import reasons that so many forts were built, is that so many companies could settle hither yet none of these European nations colonized the Gold Coast equally they did other parts of the world. This tin partially live explained past times the fact that African society hither was but too good organized already before the arrival of the Europeans to allow but the taking into possession, equally happened for instance inwards many parts of America. In fact the African chiefs, coastal chiefs, as well as the traders from the interior to the coast, were rattling quick to recognize the advantages of this competition betwixt the diverse European companies.
So Republic of Ghana has indeed a fairly unique history if y'all facial expression at the full general colonial history of the world, because this is 1 of the rarer areas where for 300 years European as well as non-Europeans had been trading basically on a pes of equality. And fifty-fifty afterwards, inwards the 19th century, inwards the keen era of imperialism, at that spot was genuinely no room inwards Republic of Ghana for the type of colonial exploitation that nosotros observe inwards such areas equally the Congo. The famous Fante Bond of 1844 is indeed 1 of the earliest types inwards Africa of a modern independence movement. These forts as well as castles did inwards fact give a feel of security to both Europeans as well as Africans. To the African they gave the security that the Europeans were non probable to �break out� from their forts. But on the other hand, past times treaty also, Europeans were compelled to come upwards to the defense forcefulness of the coastal states inwards which they established these forts inwards instance these states were attacked from the interior. I must of course of instruction telephone telephone your attending to the fact that the Europeans did non ever come upwards to their aid, specially hither inwards Accra at the fourth dimension of Akwamu invasions, Akim invasions, Asante invasions, against which Europeans, inwards spite of all these beautiful treaties didn't do anything. Perhaps the forts as well as castles also, to a considerable extent satisfied the �Territorial Imperative�, to utter with the words of Ardrey of the Europeans themselves. They did experience a sure as shooting sort of security within those walls of forts as well as castles which were genuinely built on territory they only rented from the local chiefs. Finally, the local chiefs also brought of their ain gratis volition many of their so-called palavers to the castles as well as forts, known inwards Fante equally Aban. The Aban became the basis of after politics inwards Republic of Ghana as well as at that spot is still, inwards Fante the give-and-take Aban, used to delineate �government.� Such informal jurisdiction developed specially inwards the early on stages inwards Elmina; after inwards as well as around Axim; as well as of course of instruction at that spot is the famous instance of the 1830s of Governor Maclean who did the same thing around Cape Coast as well as so into the interior.
So to summarize my introduction I think it is a flake shortsighted to say virtually the forts as well as castles - �Well it may live a tourist attraction of Republic of Ghana but let's non stress it too much because they are just European leftovers of colonial days.� The forts as well as castles tin with sufficient reason, to some extent, live regarded non only equally monuments to the slave merchandise because they were used for slave trade, but also to a long history, a long tradition of Ghanaian independence. Surprisingly as well as paradoxically equally it may sound, they could live regarded to some extent fifty-fifty equally monuments of liberty - monuments at least, of equality. (If y'all disagree delight allow me know inwards the query hour!)
Something virtually the mutual characteristics nosotros observe inwards the diverse forts as well as castles which of course of instruction individually are quite different yet nosotros tin recognize some basic features. Generally the basic pattern is a foursquare surrounded past times drape walls which halt inwards pointed bastions. Within this foursquare of drape walls as well as bastions are built 1 or sometimes to a greater extent than than one, to a greater extent than often than non 2 storied buildings; inwards the bigger forts sometimes 3 stories or a tower. Also inwards virtually all the forts nosotros find, below the key square, the cisterns, or inwards smaller courts, 1 cistern. The ground flooring of the forts as well as castles is to a greater extent than often than non used for storerooms - at that spot is no ventilation on the outside, only on the within - or for rooms for the garrison for the lower officials. The top flooring is for residence for high officials, for officers, as well as for the �palaver halls� which nosotros observe inwards most forts as well as castles. The bastions are sometimes solid, similar the drape wall, but also often nosotros observe hollow bastions which were used for instance equally pulverization magazines, or inwards the days of the slave merchandise - as well as I demand non tell y'all that slave merchandise was developed rather belatedly hither compared to other parts of Africa - these hollow bastions were often used for slave prisons or slave holds.
Now most of the forts were greatly expanded, specially inwards the 18th century. At a after phase they developed so-called spurs. These were outer walls forming a sort of triangle inwards forepart of the main gate. Sometimes they became virtually a portion of the fort equally they did at Cape Coast or Dixcove. Other times they were but sparse walls surrounding service areas which inwards instance of state of war were also used to provide shelter for the towns-people against invading enemies. Sometimes these spurs became rattling big, bigger than the fort itself, equally nosotros take hold for instance inwards Apam as well as inwards little forts where merchandise did non develop rattling good as well as where the Europeans decided to utilization these forts to a greater extent than equally service forts rather than merchandise forts. So nosotros observe a large carpentry shop, a truthful cat yard, equally nosotros take hold at Elmina as well as other Dutch forts, yards where civet cats were reared who produced a sort of liquid which was rattling of import for the perfume industry. The cisterns played a rattling of import role non only for the provide of drinking H2O to the inhabitants of the fort but specially for provide of drinking H2O to passing ships, because these forts were non only merchandise forts but were also provide forts. They were stations midway inwards the long voyage that the ships made. Ships were often serviced close the ports themselves where at that spot was a sort of natural harbour. And castle gardens supplied fresh vegetables as well as fruits for the crews of the ships. Again inwards the days of slave merchandise large quantities of millet as well as corn, equally good equally palm oil, were also bought locally.
Then I shall assay to live equally brief equally possible on this most complicated land of study - �a brief history� of the forts as well as castles, where I may refer to books as well as booklets on the subject. Of course of instruction the first off fort was Elmina, built inwards 1482 past times the Portuguese. The Portuguese as well as Castilian had a tradition of fighting Islam since, inwards fact, the eighth Century A.D. By the middle of the 15th century the success of the Portuguese as well as the Castilian against Islam inwards the Iberian Peninsula was quite great. By the middle of the 15th century an of import trial took spot when, inwards the finally Christian outpost inwards the east, the metropolis of Constantinople was taken past times the Turks. It is genuinely from that appointment that nosotros regard specially the Portuguese getting keen on discovering a sea route to the Indies around the coast of Africa - the piece of work of Prince Henry the Navigator.
So inwards 1471 the first off Europeans arrived hither on the Republic of Guinea Coast, an event, which inwards fact, 2 years agone was celebrated with a special historical conference. Hardly x years later, 1481, Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated with the local main at Elmina for the construction of a fort - San Jorge d'Elmina. The hollo of the main with whom Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated is Caraman�a. This Caraman�a is often said to take hold been 1 of the first off chiefs of Elmina, past times hollo of Kwamena Ansah. Very nice, but modern historians to a greater extent than or less concur that past times 1482 at that spot were non yet whatever Fante on this coast. So how come upwards that inwards 1482 the �chief of Elmina� had a Fante name? Somehow it doesn't fit! Now inwards a 17th century booklet written for Louis XIV to back upwards some claims he thought to take hold on the Gold Coast, nosotros observe the description of these earliest contracts of d'Azambuja with non only Caraman�a but also �another Mansa�. This is quite interesting because mansa is also a sort of Mande or Arab championship for traders. So developed this to a greater extent than modern thought that genuinely the spelling of Caraman�a inwards Portuguese was perhaps a flake misleading, that it was genuinely Kara Mansa - a mansa named Kara - who negotiated with Diogo d'Azambuja. This would create the early on history of Elmina much clearer as well as much to a greater extent than understandable because at that spot is also this confusion virtually the root of the give-and-take �Elmina�. El is a particle, but inwards Spanish, non inwards Portuguese, as well as the Castilian had never had anything to do here. Elmina people would say, �the mine�. But that would live H5N1 Mina. In Arabic, on the other hand, nosotros take hold Mina pregnant �the port� as well as that does create sense. When the Portuguese arrived hither they found 1 mansa called Kara as well as when they asked him �what is the hollo of this place?� he replied, �the port - El Mina�. And that is why the Portuguese named the spot Elmina as well as non H5N1 Mina. Moreover at that spot were aureate mines but at a considerable distance from Elmina, non at Elmina itself. It also explains perhaps why the Portuguese went out straightaway to build such a large castle. Of course of instruction the original castle was non equally large equally the nowadays 1 but fifty-fifty the original one, which nosotros observe inwards that portion which is around the old courtyard - the little courtyard - was of considerable size. The architects when they facial expression at it take hold often been struck past times the fact that it looks so much similar a crusaders' castle - �krak�- inwards the Middle East. And it is rattling good possible that the Portuguese, arriving hither for the first off time, coming together Muslim traders, thought that inwards fact the keen Islamic Empire of northern Africa extended equally far equally this portion of the coast. They hence decided to build a crusaders' castle to constitute themselves firmly as well as to christianize the people around them. For which purpose indeed they set out straightaway.
Only after on they discovered they had built rather too large a castle for the unproblematic purpose of trade. Indeed the next 2 forts they built at Axim as well as at Shama, at natural outlets of the aureate merchandise of the Ankobra River as well as the Pra River, were much to a greater extent than modest inwards size. Also inwards 1482 it was only 30 years after the autumn of Constantinople inwards 1453 as well as it is known that past times that fourth dimension the western European Christians were deeply impressed past times the heavy cannon the Turks had used to breach the walls of Constantinople. Again nosotros recognize something of this at Elmina Castle where silent nosotros have, on the ground side, the northwest bastion which is indeed quite formidable. The Portuguese in all probability did facial expression at whatever fourth dimension after the construction of the fort that the Turks would march upwards with their keen field-cannon.
During the 16th century nosotros observe the first off signs of competition coming from the French as well as English linguistic communication traders who tried to penetrate inwards this official monopoly expanse of the Portuguese as well as at that fourth dimension it became necessary for the Portuguese to build defences to the seaward rather than to the landward. It appeared presently that the feared Muslims would non march upwards to drive them out as well as equally a affair of fact relationships with the Africans became quite friendly. Elmina itself even, shortly after the establishment of the castle, got Portuguese metropolis rights. But the greatest occupation presently seemed to live the competition on the sea - how to hold away these competitors from other parts of Europe. And so nosotros regard Elmina castle extending toward the sea with a whole novel courtyard as well as with heavy guns roofing the Elmina Roads. We observe the same thing inwards Axim now, a bastion pointing toward the sea, as well as inwards Shama. The competition of the English linguistic communication as well as the French was non equally unsafe equally that of the Dutch inwards the after 16th century because the Dutch decided to revolt against their overlords Philip II of Spain, as well as that when the Dutch were the main suppliers of merchandise goods to the Portuguese. They traditionally were redistributors of trade-goods coming from Asia as well as Africa to Lisbon from where they redistributed them all over the ease of Europe. But they sold at the same fourth dimension to the Portuguese traders inwards monastic tell to sell in 1 trial again overseas their manufactured products such equally cloth, which played a rattling of import role inwards the overseas trade. All that sort of broke upwards inwards a few years, at the halt of the 16th century - the Portuguese monopoly on the Gold Coast. Not only did the Dutch revolt against their overlord, the manlike individual monarch of Spain, inwards 1580 Kingdom of Spain as well as Portugal were also united nether 1 crown with the outcome that Portugal also became officially the enemy of the Dutch.
After 1580 nosotros regard Dutch transportation on the Gold Coast increment enormously. The Dutch were able to provide goods at a lower cost than the Portuguese as well as past times 1612 finally 1 of the local chiefs, the 1 of Asebu; broke the spell past times openly inviting the Dutch, sending inwards fact 2 ambassadors to The Netherlands to enquire the Dutch to build a fort at Mori. This fort unfortunately has nearly completely disappeared although nosotros tin silent regard some ruins of which the most striking characteristic perhaps is the keen quantity of Dutch bricks nosotros observe inwards the walls. Because traditionally the Dutch built inwards bricks, as well as moreover this was the first off fourth dimension they had built exterior of The Netherlands inwards fact they thought it safer to convey the edifice stuff from The Netherlands rather than to rely on the local people who equally yet were non fully dependable to the Dutch - equally officially they had treaties with the Portuguese. Soon they began to extend their influence. In 1624, shortly after the establishment of the Dutch West Indian Company they made a treaty with a main of a so newly arrived grouping of Fantes - a treaty which did non rattling much impress, apparently, this chief, Ambro-Braffo, of the Borbor-Fante; inwards 1631 they made a similar treaty with the English linguistic communication who had established themselves at Kormantin. With the growing Dutch as well as also the English linguistic communication competition the Portuguese were finding it rattling hard to larn their aureate as well as made some attempts to mine aureate themselves inwards a colina close Komenda - Abrobi Hill - an sweat which ended inwards total disaster. The mine collapsed as well as shortly afterwards they tried in 1 trial again inwards the interior, inwards the Ankobra Valley at the confluence of the Duma as well as Ankobra Rivers where in 1 trial again it is said they were surprised past times an earthquake which I believe is an erroneous interpretation because from some enquiry I conducted, perhaps they did observe aureate but also some silvery or electrum, which was a sign inwards traditional Akan mining that the spirits were against them as well as that is in all probability the ground why they all of a abrupt interrupted the ease of their activities. In 1637 the Dutch made, from Brazil, their concluding keen assault, after a few failures of before days, on the Portuguese main castle at Elmina, putting their guns on Saint Iago Hill which they after fortified with Coenraadsburg Fort. Very shortly afterwards, inwards 1642, the Portuguese were completely expelled from the whole Gold Coast. However the Dutch had never had equally much a monopoly equally the Portuguese had had because already nosotros take hold seen the English linguistic communication had established themselves at Kormantin as well as rattling presently the Dutch found the occupation of competition from other nations often inwards the shape of so-called �interloper companies� the Dutch sailors who united unusual flags as well as tried to compete inwards that way with those who were involved inwards the official charter fellowship -the West Republic of Republic of India Company.
In the years betwixt 1648-1659 nosotros regard specially the activities of the notorious renegade official of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company, a Pole past times nativity called Caerlof. Caerlof who first off nether Swedish flag established a large number of merchandise lodges as well as forts, next door equally y'all tin say, to the existing Dutch forts, so returned to Europe, made utilization of the fact the King of Sweden got himself involved inwards a state of war with the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as returned to the Gold Coast a 2nd fourth dimension nether Danish flag as well as promptly �conquered� his ain establishments! In the halt the Dutch inherited dorsum from the Danes most of these merchandise posts. One of the major results of this episode was the proliferation of novel forts. Caerlof built a foundation for Cape Coast Castle - Carolusburg - originally named after Charles X, so King of Sweden; also a fort at Takoradi, Butri, Anomabu as well as at Osu, the foundation of modern Christiansborg Castle. The episode of Caerlof also led to that extraordinary episode of the Dutch Fort Ruychaver (excuse me for pronunciation) when the Dutch built rattling far inland, inwards fact virtually 40 miles from the coast, a little fort on the correct banking concern of the Ankobra inwards the middle of the richest aureate producing expanse known then, close modern Prestea, silent an of import mining town, where they did for sometime a profitable trade. But presently it appeared the merchandise post was much too isolated. The commander of the fort got into a palaver with some of the chiefs as well as inwards the halt saw no other solution, since he could non communicate chop-chop with the coast, than to blow his attackers, together with himself, up! Which was the untimely halt of Fort Ruychaver!
Again after the episode of Caerlof quietness did non finally for a long time; presently the Dutch had to confront some other competition That was when the English linguistic communication decided to set upwards store inwards a bigger way after the Restoration when the novel King of England, Charles II, with his friends, decided to dabble a flake inwards overseas expansion. The early on English linguistic communication companies had non been rattling successful but at nowadays they had total financial back upwards as well as of course, total political support. The outcome of this was that inwards 1664 having been annoyed on several occasions past times the Dutch, the English linguistic communication decided to send a surprise fleet non only to the Gold Coast but also to the Dutch possessions inwards America, nether 1 Admiral Holmes. Indeed they were taken past times surprise as well as many of the forts were taken with the exception of Elmina Castle of course. But the Dutch too had their surprise inwards store for the English linguistic communication because before the English linguistic communication could gear upwards themselves properly to ward off a counter-attack - all this took spot inwards official peace time! - the Dutch sent Admiral De Ruyter who chop-chop recovered most of the lost forts as well as also conquered the original English linguistic communication headquarters at Kormantin, leaving nevertheless to the English linguistic communication the old Swedish fort of Carolusburg at Cape Coast.
It's a rattling essential episode that happened inwards 1664-1665 as well as that affected also y'all Americans. Because it was inwards that same naval state of war that the Dutch also lost New Amsterdam which was named after the Duke of York, blood brother of Charles II, after James II, who played an of import role inwards overseas expansion equally I've said. So New Amsterdam became New York as well as inwards revenge the Dutch named the old English linguistic communication fort at Kormantin after Amsterdam - perhaps to create upwards for the loss of �New Amsterdam�! The Duke of York indeed continued to involvement himself inwards the African enterprise. It was he also who first off encouraged the striking of the famous Guineas, the aureate coins made of Republic of Guinea gold, which were so pure that inwards fact they became worth to a greater extent than than the official pound sterling. Until quite of late the English linguistic communication used the term �Guinea� to announce the equivalent of 21 shillings.
In 1672 the Africa merchandise was spot on a novel as well as sounder ground inwards England with the foundation of the Royal African Company which became the keen competitor of the Dutch West Indian Company inwards this portion of the world. It was this Royal Africa Company which also built hither inwards Accra, James Fort.
Again at that spot are few Americans who realize that James Fort as well as New York are genuinely named after the same person. As if the province of affairs wasn't complicated enough, inwards the 1680s nosotros larn in 1 trial again a novel land establishing itself - the Brandenburg African Company, inwards fact, some other Dutch interloper company, which established a fairly large fort at Princes Town as well as a few modest stations inwards Ahanta; highly annoying for the Dutch who upwards to that fourth dimension thought the Ahanta area, closest to the aureate producing area, was alone theirs. All this competition was bound to atomic number 82 to turmoil, also within the interior of the Gold Coast as well as this nosotros regard take spot indeed after 1690 when specially the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch got involved inwards their endlessly complicated serial of wars known equally the Komenda wars, centered around Komenda where both Dutch as well as English linguistic communication built a fort within shooting make of each other. Komenda was also described inwards a famous volume past times William Bosman which shows how this cut-throat competition non only led to a full general involvement of the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch inwards the politics of the immediate interior but also led to a gradual decline inwards the provide of gold. So that past times 1700 inwards fact the aureate merchandise was so much inwards decline that Europe had to facial expression also to the Gold Coast for that other keen �commodity� from Africa - commodity inwards quotation marks - slaves. It was only after 1700 that the slave merchandise became of import on the Gold Coast, which, past times the Portuguese as well as also for a long fourth dimension past times the Dutch, was ever regarded equally unfit for the slave trade. For slave merchandise y'all needed state of war as well as with state of war merchandise paths from the aureate mines to the coast could non remain open. We recognize this episode, the chapter of the slave trade, also the construction of the forts with the relatively novel extensions inwards the shape of hollow bastions, slave prisons, of which nosotros silent observe this notorious representative inwards Cape Coast Castle - the dungeons. Around 1700 also, although their competition continued to live unsuccessful, we've seen attempts of the French to penetrate - much feared past times the English linguistic communication as well as Dutch as well as the Danes as well as Brandenburgers. Though planned with keen grandeur cipher comes out of it but a little wooden fort which lasted only 2 years. In the belatedly 18th century nosotros observe silent a number of forts built at the extremes of the Gold Coast - the English linguistic communication at Beyin inwards Nzima area, the Danes at Keta, Ada, as well as also a little British fort at Prampram. But the keen historic menses of fort edifice was genuinely over past times that time.
In the 19th century nosotros regard in 1 trial again an alone novel evolution which inwards a way is dorsum to �square one�! The Portuguese started past times edifice defences mainly on the landside. We regard that it in 1 trial again became necessary to build defences on the landside, this fourth dimension against the invading Asante or, inwards the instance of Elmina, against the Fante, who were the keen enemies of Elminas. So around Cape Coast as well as Elmina nosotros regard inwards the 19th century the construction of a number of fortifications which are genuinely non meant for merchandise but purely for protection. In fact Coenraadsburg Fort, built inwards 1665, inwards the days of Holmes as well as De Ruyter, is the only fort which was built for defense forcefulness purposes as well as non for merchandise alongside the forts of Ghana. In the 19th century also nosotros observe some attempts for the foundation of plantations. But on the other manus the African trading elite became independent as well as nosotros regard established centers inwards such places equally Axim or Cape Coast or Sekondi of the grand houses of the first off independent African traders. The smaller forts began to autumn into decay. The castles themselves became at nowadays mainly authorities offices - rattling piffling merchandise is genuinely done at that spot - or regular army barracks. Cape Coast first off was actually, after the deviation of the Dutch inwards 1872, the uppercase of the Gold Coast. But inwards 1876 the English linguistic communication moved their uppercase to Accra as well as made Christiansborg the spot of authorities which is what it is upwards to this rattling day. Other forts are turned into post offices or ease houses but it's only inwards around 1950 the province begins in 1 trial again to go officially interested inwards these buildings as well as monuments. Now inwards the 1970s nosotros are getting to the phase where all these forts are beingness restored. In Cape Coast Castle a museum is going to opened upwards rattling soon, Elmina Castle volition live turned into a tourist hostel as well as most of the other forts volition serve equally ease houses.
I think it is nearly fourth dimension that I stop. But silent I would similar to say a few words . . . �Stop looking at your watch!� . . . a few words virtually life inwards as well as around the forts because that is something which people visiting these places don't ever realize - what was life genuinely similar inwards these forts.
They are sometimes called ships permanently at anchor inwards the days of the companies. The whole organisation of social life inwards the forts was rattling much similar that on a ship. Very important, key for the fort, was the flag - rattling essential that the flag was hoisted rattling early on inwards the forenoon as well as lowered belatedly at night. And also, if y'all were a trader, to create sure as shooting that y'all went to the correct place. Between Cape Coast as well as Anomabu y'all had v forts of 2 or 3 different nations. If y'all were just one-half a mile incorrect y'all could facial expression to live shot at past times the enemy. So it was indeed essential that y'all clearly showed yourself past times your colours. That is also why y'all observe on those old engravings those unbelievable large pieces of textile hanging over these forts.
Life inwards the fort was furthermore similar on ship - regulated past times bells as well as the threescore minutes glass. Bells 1 may observe only inwards a few places silent extant but many of these forts silent take hold bell towers that are at nowadays empty - for instance the circular tower of Elmina Castle on the northeast side. Then rattling of import similar on ships was the firing of salutes. Every fourth dimension a ship arrived salutes were fired. It is interesting to know that some forts inwards fact had such first-class natural defences or were so unimportant that they take hold never fired anything but salutes. Places similar Butri had something similar 20 cannon but those cannon had never been used for anything other than firing salutes. The commercial as well as political hierarchy inwards the forts was parallel to as well as sometimes coincided with the armed forces hierarchy. Of the companies the West Indian Company was the most permanent - as well as personally I tin tell y'all to a greater extent than as well as I experience to a greater extent than confident on that land of study rather than on that of the Danish, High German or English linguistic communication companies. For the day-to-day authorities at Elmina the Director-General was assisted past times a Council consisting the main merchant, the financial bookkeeper-general, some main factors; as well as so he was assisted exterior Elmina past times factors as well as sub factors who commanded the modest forts. The council, consisting of the aforementioned, decided on policy of merchandise as well as full general politics also, equally much equally it involved making treaties with local chiefs. In fact the director-general as well as council did constitute a sort of existent authorities as well as had considerable power, much greater powerfulness than whatever modern trading fellowship acting inwards this country. Scribes of course of instruction had extremely hard piece of work before the days of the typewriter. All of import letters had to live made at to the lowest degree inwards triplo, 1 re-create for the local file, 1 re-create for the directors inwards Amsterdam - the so-called assembly of 10; as well as 1 re-create for 1 of the diverse chapters of the West Indian Company concerned. The Company was sub-divided inwards 5 chambers representing the major trading cities inwards the Netherlands. Also the communications with the Netherlands were extremely slow, specially the outwards send service from the Gold Coast to Europe which sometimes took to a greater extent than than 1� years because ships could non canvass but from the upper coast to the lower coast with the electrical flow as well as the prevailing winds. All of y'all take hold been swimming sometimes inwards the sea hither as well as know that the electrical flow is ever from the westward to the east. When y'all are looking at the airdrome all the planes are ever taking off against the nearly permanent western winds. So letters from Gold Coast to the Netherlands had to go all the way to the West Indies as well as sometimes to North America before they reached home.
And so for instance I sometimes found references to well-known events - for instance to the expiry of Queen Ann which I believe was inwards 1714, which was commemorated inwards a alphabetic character written inwards 1718 because that was the first off fourth dimension they had heard she died - after to a greater extent than than 3 years! Another incident which is interesting to annotation how essential it was indeed to canvass from the westward to the E non the E to the westward - inwards 1641 when the Dutch tried to conquer Axim, where, the Portuguese were silent holding out after the Dutch had captured Elmina they sent a little fleet - unwisely inwards the rainy flavor when the winds as well as the electrical flow are strongest - inwards monastic tell to capture Axim. But after 4� weeks the commander of this fleet decided to homecoming because he had reached only Takoradi!
Furthermore social life at the forts must take hold been extremely dull really. The only way of amusing oneself was drinking as well as that is in all probability what has also given the Republic of Guinea Coast the hollo �white man's grave�! - non that the climate was so unhealthy but that people drank themselves to death! Life was extremely, severely regulated. The gates of the castle closed at nighttime at seven; the drawbridges, if they were there, were drawn up. And yet all these preventive measures, did non forbid the ascent of a mulatto class. Of course of instruction 1 should non live too hard on the men of those days because at that spot were rattling few European women around as well as those that did come upwards either died or were indeed hardly attractive equally I empathise from descriptions. These women sometimes occupied their gratis time, as well as they had lots of gratis time, with the distribution of large quantities of bibles which I'm afraid were non rattling much read! There were of course of instruction attempts to constitute schools inwards the castles, specially at Cape Coast as well as Elmina but in 1 trial again it was non rattling successful as well as to my surprise, fifty-fifty inwards modern works on Ghanaian education, this is stressed far more, these early on failures of the early on castle schools, than the much to a greater extent than of import preparation which was given inwards the courtyards - these workshops where many Africans were trained inwards such useful crafts equally carpentry, ship repairing, as well as gardening. Gardening in 1 trial again was mainly done for the inhabitants of the forts or for the provide for the ships. But at to the lowest degree they had the effect inwards this ground that many novel crops were introduced, such equally tomatoes, maize, some people fifty-fifty say the ameliorate qualities of yam. And these must take hold originally come upwards from these castle gardens.
Well I've tried to remain within the boundary of time. I'm non sure as shooting how clear I've been but at to the lowest degree I hope I've been clear plenty to arouse some questions inwards you.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
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Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
| from: Van Dantzig, A, Het Nederlandse Aandeel inwards de Slawenhandel Fibula 1968 (in Dutch) Jan Pranger, "governor of the Gold Coast." In the background, an African servant. Through the window, inwards the distance, fort Coenraadsburgh is visible. Painting past times Frans van der Mijn, 1742 credit Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam |
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
- van Kessel, I (ed.) Merchants, Missionaries & Migrants: 300 years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations. Kit Publishers & Sub-Saharan Publishers, 2002.
- Authors: E. Kusruri, D. Kpobi, D.K. Arhinful, H. van der Zee, A. Pakosie, J.J. Vrij, N. Everts, V.K. Nyanteng,
- In Nov 1701, David van Nyendael, an envoy of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company (WIC) was the first off European to see the royal courtroom inwards Kumasi, uppercase of the emerging Ashanti empire inwards the hinterland of the Gold Coast. Three hundred years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations take hold passed since then.
- Merchants, Missionaries as well as Migrants � 300 years of Dutch � Ghanaian Relations focuses on diverse aspects of the long-standing as well as intricate economic, political, cultural as well as human ties - past as well as present- between Ghanaians as well as Dutchmen.
- Experts from Ghana, the Netherlands, Surinam as well as Republic of Indonesia nowadays their enquiry findings on these issues. These fascinating histories deserve a broad audience. They delineate a broad make of topics from Dutch-Ghanaian history: from the merchandise inwards gold, ivory as well as slaves to the cocoa trade; from liaisons betwixt European men as well as African women inwards previous centuries to present-day Ghanaian migration to the Netherlands; from the involuntary migration of x of thousands of slaves to the plantations inwards Surinam to the piffling known history of the African soldiers who sailed from Elmina to serve inwards the Dutch regular army inwards the East Indies; as well as from the role of Dutch genever in Ghanaian ritual to the dramatic life story of Jacobus Capitein, the first off dark Christian government minister to live ordained inwards the Netherlands.
- Yarak, Larry W, Asante as well as the Dutch 1744-1873 Clarendon Press Oxford 1990 (quotations as well as notes)
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
9 sika sene, biribi nsen bio: Wealth surpasses everything sika ne ohene: money is king
44 Elmina to Kumasi 10 -12 days
95 In add-on to an overriding concern to go on Dutch domination of the Akan merchandise inwards exported gold, a major incentive for the Dutch to expand their commercial as well as armed forces presence inwards West Africa was the want to facilitate the procurement of slaves for the carbohydrate plantations of the New World. In 1734 the West Indian Company lost its monopoly to gratis Dutch traders inwards the slave merchandise equally access to the forts was opened to gratis Dutch traders. The company's direct participation inwards the slave merchandise ended presently thereafter equally private trading companies such equally the Middelburgsche Commercie Compagne assumed the chore of supplying the Dutch plantations inwards the Caribbean.
100 From 1735 until its dissolution inwards 1791 the West Indian company's activities on the Gold Coast were limited to those of an officially sanctioned direction trunk overseeing the staffing as well as physical maintenance of the Dutch forts. However, it remained the responsibleness of their personnel at the coast to regard to it that sufficient slaves were available for purchase past times the gratis Dutch traders inwards substitution for licensing fees as well as a duty on each slave purchased at the forts. Moreover, from 1754 fellowship employees were allowed to engage inwards private merchandise spell carrying out their official duties inwards the forts, a do that would go on good into the 19th century.
100 Dutch slave exports peaked inwards the 1760s when a total of some 70000 slaves were loaded onto Dutch ships. In Oct 1771 -- during previous 12 months 1500-1600 slaves were exported from Elmina. Annual average for 1770s 4900
- Summary : This study is based on the records of the Dutch coastal administration's Council of Senior Officials, roofing the menses betwixt 1815-1830. They provide fascinating as well as often vivid glimpses into otherwise obscure conditions of life. At a to a greater extent than analytical level, however, these records document important aspects of social tension within Elmina's shape structure. The cases dealt with involve theft, as well as murder, attempted murder of conspiracy to commit murder. Notes.
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana http://www.ambaccra.nl/pages/c_forts.html
300 years diplomatic relations Netherlands - Ghana http://www.ambaccra.nl/pages/c_history.html
Michel Doortmont's website
Ancient Dutch as well as Portuguese Forts
Boxer, C. R, The Dutch inwards Brazil
Boxer, Q The Dutch Seaborne Empire 1600-1800 London 1965
Brukum, N. J. K., African European Relations on the Gold Coast 1791-1844 (thesis)
Doortmont, Michel R. as well as Natalie Everts, 'Vrouwen, familie en eigendom op de Goudkust. Afrikaanse en Europese systemen van erfrecht inwards Elmina, 1760-1860' in: Geld & Goed.
Jaarboek voor Vrouwengeschiedenis 17 (Amsterdam: Stichting beheer IISG 1997), pp.114-130. ['Women, family, as well as holding on the Gold Coast. African women as well as European systems of inheritance inwards Elmina, 1760-1860']
Jaarboek voor Vrouwengeschiedenis 17 (Amsterdam: Stichting beheer IISG 1997), pp.114-130. ['Women, family, as well as holding on the Gold Coast. African women as well as European systems of inheritance inwards Elmina, 1760-1860']
Doortmont, Michel R., Th. van Bakergem, as well as A.E.M. Landheer-Roelants, 'Van Bakergem -St. George d'Elmina (Goudkust, West Afrika)' in: Nederlandse Genealogie�n 12 (1998), inwards press. [Genealogical study of the Ghanaian-Dutch Van Bakergem family.]
Doortmont, Michel R., Natalie Everts as well as Jean-Jacques Vrij, 'Tussen de Goudkust, Nederland en Suriname. De Euro-Afrikaanse families Van Bakergem, Woortman, Ruhle en Huydecoper', forthcoming. ['Between the Gold Coast, the Netherlands as well as Surinam: The Euro-African families Van Bakergem, Woortman, Ruhle, as well as Huydecoper'; a household unit of measurement history as well as genealogy of iv Dutch-Ghanaian families from the 18th as well as 19th centuries.]
Emmer, P, The History of the Dutch Slave Trade: H5N1 Bibliographical Survey. Journal of Economic History 32/3 (1972)
Lawrence, A.W. Trade Castles as well as Forts of West Africa (London: Jonathan Cape 1963)
Lever, JT, The Dutch inwards Republic of Guinea 1792-1816 MA Thesis
Postma, Johannes. The Dutch inwards the Atlantic slave trade, 1600-1815. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 1990.
van Dantzig, Albert , Forts as well as Castles of Republic of Ghana (Accra: Sedco Publishing Ltd 1980).
Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
Van Dantzig, A, Het Nederlandse Aandeel inwards de Slawenhandel Fibula 1968 (in Dutch)
Van Dantzig, A, The Dutch Military Recruitment Agency inwards Kumasi Republic of Ghana Notes as well as Queries 8 214 1966
Yarak, Larry W, Asante as well as the Dutch 1744-1873 Clarendon Press Oxford 1990
Weijtingh, D.P.H.J. 'Achttien jaren aan de Goudkust, door Brodie Cruickshank; uit het Engels vertaald en met eene inleiding vermeerderd' (Amsterdam 1855). [This volume is a translation inwards Dutch of the volume past times the British official Brodie Cruickshank, Eighteen Years on the Gold Coast, first off published inwards 1853. Weijtingh's novel introduction to the volume deals with the history as well as organisation of the Dutch possessions.]
Who Do You Think You Are: Hugh Quarshie
Tonight BBC 1 broadcast the Hugh Quarshie episode of the Who Do You Think You Are serial 7. It was my privilege to contribute to the programme inwards several ways, advising the team, equally good equally providing materials as well as contacts. For me the story was non new. Already inwards 1995, equally portion of a enquiry projection into the Dutch historical presence inwards Ghana, I visited the Kamerling House inwards Elmina as well as Abii village. I met several of the household unit of measurement members as well as was impressed past times their noesis of their household unit of measurement history.
On my homecoming home,I contacted Eric Kamerling, whom I had known for many years equally a swain genealogist. He showed me the photos as well as papers from Republic of Ghana as well as told me the story of his great-grand-uncle Pieter Martinus Johannes Kamerling, who went to Africa as well as had a household unit of measurement there. It is a thrilling story as well as it was rattling prissy to relive as well as re-tell it with Hugh as well as the Wall-to-Wall production team.
Hugh Quarshie's grandparents, William Reginald Phillips as well as Beatrice, at their wedding.
Obviously, equally is the instance with all telly documentaries, the story is bigger than the little cover allows for. Additional information on some of the stars from the programme is available inwards the Gold Coast Data Base. Work on a to a greater extent than consummate publication is inwards progress but requires additional research, both inwards The Netherlands as well as Ghana.
One number brought upwards inwards the programme tin live addressed hither already.
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
Please click on the bulleted headings to toggle text.
- Anquandah, J, Castles as well as Forts of Ghana, Republic of Ghana Museums & Monuments Board/Atalante, undated: 2000? ( with fine photographs past times Thierry Secretan)
- 59 (of Elmina Castle, quoting Jean Barbot, 1682): This castle has justly go famous for beauty as well as strength, having no equal on all the coasts of Guinea. Built foursquare with rattling high walls of dark chocolate-brown stone so rattling theatre that it may live said to live cannon-proof. On the ground side it has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O sufficient for the utilization of the garrison as well as the ships - canals cutting inwards the stone past times the Portuguese (by blowing upwards the stone piffling past times piffling with gunpowder. The warehouses either for goods or provisions are rattling largely as well as stately ever good furnished."
- Arhin, Kwame (ed.) The Cape Coast as well as Elmina Handbook: Past, nowadays as well as future, Inst. of African Studies, University of Ghana, 1995.Chapter One CAPE COAST AND ELMINA IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, Kwame Arhin
SECTION 2 ELMINA
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
10 The Dutch paid rents or goodwill money on the Castle ground successively to the local authorities, to Denkyera as well as Asante. . . The Dutch also had recourse to local women, produced children as well as built human bridges betwixt the stranger as well as host races. . . they supported their hosts, though only with ammunition, inwards their wars with their neighbours. . . .In the eighteenth as well as nineteenth centuries the Dutch cemented their alliance with Asante; non only through payment of "kostgeld," but also through the periodic substitution of presents which enriched Asante stuff culture. . . the basic indigenous economies of the trading centres were overlaid with occupations relating to the establishment of the European trading-fort. The basic elements of the indigenous economic scheme were cultivation, line-fishing as well as salt-making. In due course of instruction traders from the due north as well as overseas did business organisation inwards the market-place as well as at the houses inwards the village, as well as tillage as well as line-fishing advanced beyond subsistence: Cape Coast as well as Elmina were alongside the earliest centres of money economic scheme inwards the territories at nowadays embraced past times modern Ghana.
11 . . . The traditional socio-political organisation of Elmina was strongly modified past times its frontier as well as trading status. The basis construction was 1 of matrilineage localized inwards wards, whose heads, united inwards a constituted council, as well as led past times 1 of them, acted equally the supreme potency of the town as well as its subordinate or satellite villages. Headship of the Council was custom-determined inwards favour of the manlike individual descendants of the founder of the town who, alongside the Akan, are known equally the aristocrats/royals, adehyee. Headships of wards as well as villages are similarly determined, spell such offices equally those of spokesmen, akyeame, are vested inwards sure as shooting matrilineages.
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
- Hyland, A. D. C.. Chapter Two THE CASTLES OF ELMINA AND CAPE COAST, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO TOWNS
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
This is the oldest surviving European edifice inwards the torrid zone . . . the castle which the Portuguese began to build inwards 1482 was substantially complete, to its original plan, past times 1486 . . . several years before Columbus crossed the Atlantic . . . or Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope as well as opened upwards the sea route to India.
14 . . . In 1637, the Dutch made their concluding onrush on Elmina. . . Finally on the August 28 or 29, 1637, the Portuguese surrendered as well as handed over the castle to the Dutch, who were to remain masters of Elmina for over 200 years. . . As presently equally the Dutch were established inwards Elmina, they set virtually improving the defences . . . as well as . . . repairing the considerable harm caused past times the bombardment.
15 . . . the colina of St. Jago was fortified . . . Named Coenraadsburg past times the Dutch, the Fort was completed past times 1666 . . .
16 Elmina was the first off town on the Gold Coast of whatever architectural pretension; silent situated on the narrow peninsula betwixt the Benya Lagoon as well as the sea, the older portion of the town, characterized past times its steeply pitched thatched roof houses, . . remained at that spot until it was razed to the ground past times the British inwards 1873. During the eighteenth century, the town was silent rattling dependent on the Castle . . . In the early on years of the century . . . the main block fronting the Great Court was remodelled; as well as after inwards the century, the Governor's spot inwards the southward tower was extended past times edifice a wing higher upwards the main entrance of the Castle.
17 (A) map of 1799 shows Elmina equally it was during the early on years of Governor Bartels' administration, at which fourth dimension Elmina reached the apogee of its prestige as well as prosperity. Carl Ludwig Bartels, who was governor from 1789-1804, had been inwards Dutch authorities service inwards Elmina for many years previously, as well as had built a substantial theatre inwards the old town, unopen to the river, for his married adult woman as well as household unit of measurement inwards 1786.
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
- Astley, Thomas (ed) H5N1 New General Collection of Voyages as well as Travels Vol II London 1745
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
398 Captain Thomas Phillips 1693. Fort of Mina. They took a walk before dinner virtually the Castle which is old as well as built upon a stone after the Portuguese fashion, from whom the Dutch plundered it. It had iv flankers as well as virtually 18 guns inwards all, those towards the sea practiced as well as long as well as some of them brass; the walls are pretty high as well as the Gate potent which faces the continent. In the midst of the fort is their warehouse, kitchen as well as lodgings of the soldiers, over which at that spot are 3 or iv little rooms for the Factors. A keen portion of the roof as well as wall of that wherein they dined was fallen down. For dinner they had some muscovy duck, kid, fish as well as store of other provision. What Phillips liked best was a Yam pudding which consume rattling gratefully, managed past times the French Doctor, with carbohydrate as well as orangish juice. They had plenty of Punch as well as Stummed Rhenish wine; but a drinkable called Kokoro, looking similar sparse whey, as well as is a sort of palm wine, he preferred to whatever other. He thought it drank similar mead or rather Verdy, or white Florence wine, equally they telephone telephone it at Livorno. Dinner beingness over as well as the King's health, the African Company's as well as theirs beingness drank, each with a salvo of screw? guns, they were invited to select a walk, where the Negroes used to dance, virtually a quarter of a mile from the fort nether 2 or 3 rattling large Cotton trees, of which their canoes are made. Seats as well as liquor beingness brought, presently after came the musick, beingness 3 dark fellows with the similar number of hollow elephant teeth, through which they made a hideous bellowing as well as were accompanied past times some other who shell a hollow slice of brass with a stick. Then came Mr. Rawlisson (Dutch factor from Axim) the factor's wife, a pretty immature Mulatto, with a rich silk cloth virtually her middle as well as a silk cap upon her head, flowered with aureate as well as silver, nether which her pilus was combed out at length. For the mulattos covet to vesture it so inwards mistaken of the whites, never curling it upwards or letting it friz equally the blacks do. She was attended past times the Second's as well as Doctor's wives, immature blacks virtually thirteen. After the English linguistic communication had saluted them they went to trip the low-cal fantastic past times turns, inwards a ridiculous manner, making antic gestures with their arms, shoulders as well as heads, their feet having the to the lowest degree percentage inwards the action. They began moderately, but quickened their motions past times degrees, till at the latter halt they appeared perfecftly furious as well as distracted. . . The Town is on the East side, containing virtually an hundred houses or huts, straight along the banks of a river which empties itself into the sea close the castle, at the oral fissure of which is a landing place. The Author saw higher upwards an hundred men as well as women with pails on the side of the river, who they told him were washing of sand as well as dirt inwards search of aureate dust.
399 Sukkandi: went ashore at the English linguistic communication castle where found Mr. Johnson inwards his bed raving mad, through resentment of an affront spot on him past times 1 Van Hukeline, the Copeman or merchant of the Mina Castle. . . One Taguba, a noted Negro wench inwards Cape Coast town, gotten with kid past times some of the soldiers of the castle, was brought to bed of a mulatto girl, who growing virtually 11 years old, this Johnson, so a factor at Cape Coast, had a keen fancy for her as well as purposed to select her for his married adult woman (as they select wives inwards Guinea. . . note, That is, during Pleasure) and beingness virtually that fourth dimension removed to live main Factor at Sekondi, inwards monastic tell to create sure as shooting of the girl, he took her at that spot to live with him, till she was of historic menses check for conjugal embraces, using her with much tenderness as well as taking keen satisfaction inwards her fellowship for 2 or 3 years. But when she was grown up, beingness a pretty girl, Vanhukeline, past times bribes as well as presents corrupted her woman parent Taguba. . . girl kidnapped. Johnson after murdered on orders of Vanhukeline (who presently cracked the nut Johnson had been so long cooking to his ain tooth). When Phillips dined with the Dutch General at the Mina, he saw her there, beingness brought to trip the low-cal fantastic before them, rattling fine, bearing the championship Madam Vanhukeline. This as well as some other old differences with the Dutchman, had quite turned his brain.
400 Cape Coast castle. Before their departure, Captain Shirley as well as he entertained the Agents, Factors as well as other officers at Dinner inwards a foursquare summerhouse which stands inwards the middle of the Castle grounds.
401 Bought Indian corn for provision of the slaves to Barbados. The allowance beingness a pectus which contains virtually iv bushes for every Negro. Palm Oil.
401 . . . both dined with him aboard, with their wives, who were Mulattos. This he says is a pleasant way of marrying, for they tin plough their wives off, as well as select other at Pleasure, which makes them rattling careful to sense of humour their husbands inwards washing their linen, cleaning their chambers etc as well as the accuse of keeping them is piffling or nothing.
402 Winneba. Filled some H2O as well as cutting practiced store of firewood past times the Queen's permission. Their Queen is virtually l years old, dark equally jet, but rattling corpulent. They went to pay their respects to her nether a keen tree where she sat. She received them rattling kindly as well as made her attendants trip the low-cal fantastic after their way before them. She was gratis of his kisses to Mr. . . whom she seemed much to esteem. They presented her with an anchor of brandy each as well as some hands of tobacco. She was so extremely civil before they parted equally to offering each of them a bedfellow of her immature Maids of Honour spell they continued there, but they modestly declined her majesty's offer.
Here the author saw many guinea hens as well as diverse other fowl but was pleased most with the herd of wild deer ranging the plains. He saw at to the lowest degree v hundred at once, but so wild, that they could shoot none. Here are likewise large baboons, some equally large equally keen mastiffs. They go l or an hundred together. They are unsafe to live met with, especially past times women, whom (as the Author was credibly assured) they often seize as well as ravish to expiry past times lying with them 1 after the other.
402 Akra. Phillips bought a v manus canoe of the Black General who had seized the Danes fort there. (1693) It seems it was surprised past times a packet of negros, privately armed, who got inwards nether the pretence of trade, and having stabbed his 2nd spell he was showing them the goods dispersed to secure all the other inwards the castle, a political party lying concealed without to assist them upon signal given. The General hearing the tumult came out of his sleeping accommodation sword inwards manus to regard what was the affair as well as was instantly assaulted past times 2 blacks against whom he made practiced his ground for some time, calling out for assistance. But no to a greater extent than coming as well as to a greater extent than blacks pressing on he flung himself out of a window as well as fled to the Dutch after he had received several wounds 1 of which had disabled his left arm.
This Black General (now go governor) sent 2 of his servants to invite Mr B1 as well as Mr. B2 as well as the Captain to dine. While they accepting, were carried inwards hammocks he had sent to attend them. The guard at the castle demanded their swords, which all delivered but Phillips who refused. The General having been acquainted with it, came as well as told him it was his custom. The other replied, that mightiness be, but it was never the custom of English linguistic communication commanders to portion with their swords upon whatever business organisation human relationship whatsoever. In which finding him resolute the General seeming satisfied led them inwards showing them the way into the Dining Room which was past times climbing a ladder as well as entering through a hole or scuttle. When they were ascended, he drank to them as well as all the guns inwards the fort were discharged. After they had walked virtually a quarter of an threescore minutes inwards the castle, Phillips pulled off his sword of his ain accord, which, he perceived the King took rattling kindly.
They were treated with plenty punch as well as victuals, which were pretty good dressed. For the governor had been ready to 1 of the English linguistic communication factories as well as at nowadays went rattling often into the kitchen to give the necessary orders. Though at dinner he was inwards keen state, having a negro man child with a pistol at each side of him for a guard. He drank the King of England's the African company's as well as his guests' healths ofttimes with volleys of cannon of which he fired virtually 200 during their remain there. The flag he was flight was white with a dark homo painted inwards the middle brandishing a scimitar. . . In their way dorsum to the English linguistic communication castle (4 miles to the west) they killed 4 hares with clubs. This vermin frequents inwards vast number the sedge as well as furzes which are hereabouts rattling thick. Phillips thought them rattling insipid meat. Next twenty-four hours arrived 2 Danish ships with 26 guns each sent on purpose from Kingdom of Denmark to care for with the Black General virtually surrendering the fort. . . which he delivered upwards (after bargaining) upon signing of an musical instrument to quit all pretension of reparation or satisfaction from the Black General or his Accomplices, for seizing the castle, equally also the merchandizes as well as goods, as well as l marks of aureate that were inwards it as well as to pay downward 50 to a greater extent than at the delivery.
Chap III Rev Fr. Godfrey Lovyer, a Jacobine. Abstract of a voyage to Iffini on the Gold Coast. (This must live the Nzima coast.) - The next twenty-four hours 7.6.21 they came to Cape Tres Puntas ...story of Kaboshir, John Conny, who broke the heads of some of the crew regarding payment for H2O inwards casks.
On an side past times side colina stood the Danish (or equally some say the Brandenburgers') fort which some few years since having been relinquished past times them as well as thereby fallen inwards John Conny's possession, has occasioned some contests betwixt him as well as the Dutch. These last, pretending a championship of purchase, inwards 1720 sent a bomb-vessel, as well as 2 or 3 frigates to demand a surrendering; but John beingness a bold as well as subtil fellow, weighing their strength, answered, that he expected some musical instrument should live shown him to confirm the Brandenburgers' sale; as well as fifty-fifty with that, says he, I tin seen no pretence but to the ground was non theirs to dispose of. They take hold paid me rent for it (continues he) as well as since they take hold thought check to remove, I do non blueprint to tenant it out to whatever other white men spell I live. This sort of Palaver nettled the British; who threw inwards some bombs as well as shot; then to a greater extent than inflamed with rage as well as brandy, rashly landed 40 of their men, nether command of their lieutenant, to onrush the Town. They fired in 1 trial without whatever harm as well as so John at the caput of his men, rushing from nether the cover of the houses with greater force, cutting them inwards pieces , paving the entrance of his spot presently after with their skulls. This payoff made him rattling exact with everybody virtually what he called his dues, though just inwards Trade. When the English linguistic communication had returned to a practiced understanding (about the H2O MIH) the author (Atkins) with some other officers paid him a visit. The southerly winds made so keen a surf, that their landing was unsafe non to live performed past times their ain boats, but past times the canoes of his sending, for which they paid an akki. The Negro count the seas as well as know when to paddle safely on or off. John himself stood on the shore to have them attended past times a guard of 20 or 30 men nether brilliant arms, who conducted him to his house. This was a pretty large edifice raised from the materials of the fort. It ascended with a double stone staircase without, of 12 steps. On that flooring are 3 practiced rooms, 1 his armoury, some other his chamber, with a standing bed inwards it, as well as the 3rd for amusement of guests, furnished with tables, chairs, etc.
450 The way to it lay through 2 courtyards, the outer had houses for officers as well as servants belonging to him. The inner (a spacious square) had a ground room as well as practiced armoury past times the entrance , with piazzas to accommodate his guard, as well as copy inwards some mensurate the grandeur of the Prussian governors with whom John had been a retainer for some years. From them he had taken inwards his punctilio, as well as knew how to spot on a important countenance. He was a potent made man, virtually fifty, of a sullen look, as well as commanded the observe of beingness bare headed from all the Negroes virtually him that were with caps.
565 plate LX H5N1 map of the Gold Coast, M D'Anville 1729
King of Asiante (very powerful) -> ground of Akanni (formerly rattling powerful as well as rich inwards aureate -> Abrambo/Kabesterra, Fetu kingdom -> St. George de Mina H. Conraedsburgh H. Ekki tekki or piffling Kommendo C.H.
Cape Coast shown equally Oegwa
Gt. Kommendo shown inland due north of Elmina.
589 Plate 61 Prospect of the coast from El Mina to Mourri from Barbot as well as Smith.
6 ships off Elmina. 4 to a greater extent than off Fort Royal at Manfrow (between Cape Coast as well as Mouri) Ships take hold 3 tall masts with long sparse flags flight at their heads. Inclined mast at each end. Large national flag higher upwards the deck at the stern. Picture of the Sun inscribed on the stern. Two rows of foursquare windows with 2 horizontal as well as 2 vertical bars. A. Negro canoas carrying slaves aboard at Manfrow. Three slaves inwards front, iv paddlers at rear, 1 steering. All stripped to the waist.
Prospect of St. Georges Castle at El Mina from Barbot as well as Dapper. View from the east, offshore. Castle has high walls, little beach below. Huge flag (three horizontal stripes) flight from post on top of steeple. Crossed on ridges of all the roofs. Village seen behind (to westward of castle) Rectangular unmarried storey buildings with ridged roofs. Bridge on many piles wit delineate span inwards Dutch style. Tall mast seen upstream inwards the the lagoon. Only 1 edifice North of the span except for Conraedsburg on St. Jago.
636 Gold trinkets worn equally spells. Gold horn. Gold chapeau band. Necklace. Arm rings. Large wooden stools. Scales for gold. Krakra gold, pea weight, Fe pin, money. Piece of aureate (like coral) Hair combs, 3 or 4 teeth.
669 Gold Coast music from Barbot. Snappers or castagnets. Blowing horns or trumpets. Musical tongs two pronged shape with striking rod. Brass kettle manus bells. Brass Bafon? Flutes. Drum. Royal drum. Small drum. Sort of Cittern 4 stringed instrument, board with calabash? behind.
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
- Bech, Niels & Hyland, H5N1 D C. Elmina a Conservation Study UST Occasional written report 17 1978 (notes)
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
Fort on St. Jago Hill called Coenraadsburg
Elmina town situated on narrow peninsula betwixt Benya lagoon as well as the sea until 1873 when it was razed to the ground.
In 18th century the expanse around St. Jago colina was covered past times the castle's vegetable as well as fruit gardens serving also equally a spot of relaxation
By the halt of the 18th century plantations, marketplace spot gardens, pavilions, little buildings. Well defined route layout (w of lagoon)
Map of 1799. Bridge existed. Map past times J. Berseman - General State Archives The Hague.
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
- DeCorse, Christopher R. AN ARCHAEOLOGY OF ELMINA: Africans as well as Europeans on the Gold Coast, 1400-1900
- Examines a complex African settlement on the coast of present-day Republic of Ghana from the fifteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Explores developments at that spot inwards the low-cal of European expansion as well as illustrates remarkable cultural continuity inwards the midst of technological change. BNS, 73 b/w illus, fourteen maps, 5 tables, 288pp, USA . SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT, 1560989718 2001 HB GBP34.50
- Everts, Natalie, Cherchez la femme : gender-related issues inwards eighteenth-century Elmina, Itinerario: (1996), vol. 20, no. 1, p. 45-57.
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history/itin/itin.htm
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
- Feinberg, H.M. Elmina, Ghana : a history of its evolution as well as human relationship with the Dutch inwards the eighteenth century Boston : Boston University, 1969. - XX, 260 p. ; Thesis Boston University, 1969.
- Summary : Studies Elmina's political development, growth as well as daily life. The human relationship of Elmina with the Dutch is analyzed from the standpoint of the meeting of 2 cultures to determine the grade of impingement of the Dutch on the Elminan way of life as well as the legacy of this civilisation contact.
- Feinberg, H.M., An incident inwards Elmina-Dutch relations, the Gold Coast (Ghana), 1739-1740 African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 359-372..
- Summary : The human relationship betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch is to a greater extent than often than non considered to take hold been peaceful as well as mutually cooperative. In 1739 however, a serious conflict arose betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch. On May 26 or 27, 1739, Director General de Bordes forbade Elminan canoes to leave of absence the Benya River to fish inwards the sea. He also ordered his subordinates to seize whatever nutrient coming to Elmina by sea as well as on the forenoon of the 27th a number of boats loaded with corn were seized past times West Republic of Republic of India Company slaves. The Elminans sought an explanation from de Bordes but received no satisfaction. They were ordered to leave of absence the castle; the castle gates were closed, as well as inwards a small spell fighting commenced. This conflict is discussed according to the next outline: 1. a listing of events from May 27, 1739 to virtually March 21, 1740, 2. the points of view on causes; 3. the costs to the Dutch; 4. the effect of the conflict on the Elminans. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Palaver on the Gold Coast : Elmina-Dutch cooperation during the eighteenth century African Perspectives: (1979), no. 2, p. 11-20.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Elmina Town inwards the eighteenth century - Los Angeles : African studies association, 1984. ASA, Los Angeles, 25-28 October, 1984.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Hutton, William, H5N1 voyage to Africa, London, 1821
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
Great credit is due to the Dutch for the improvements which they take hold carried on here. Besides a harbour for little vessels, at that spot are piers, wharfs, as well as cranes, for landing goods. The ground also is also ameliorate cultivated than at whatever other portion of the coast; nearly 2 miles at the dorsum of' the town, are good set out inwards beds of ground-nuts as well as Mr. Neiser has made a fine plantation with 35,000 cotton wool trees, virtually 2 miles from the castle, as well as cutting a route to it, at to the lowest degree xxx feet broad, at his ain expence. I rode into the ground with this gentleman, when I was finally at Elmina, as well as was astonished at the improvements he had made. He so informed me that he had lxxx men employed inwards making a java plantation; as well as it is to live hoped many others inwards Africa volition follow Mr. Neiser's example, which is the most effectual way to cultivate the country, as well as civilize the natives. The gardens at Elmina, containing oranges, pineapples, sour soups, as well as other tropical fruits, likewise vegetables of all descriptions, do keen credit to the Dutch as well as the English linguistic communication at our head-quarters are ofttimes obliged to them for a provide of these articles. Mr. Neiser's hospitality deserves to live specially mentioned.
The town of Elmina is the only 1 on the coast which is built with stone, as well as also the only 1 that is paved. There is 1 broad street before the fort, but the town is badly set out, the houses beingness all built unopen together, without to a greater extent than than sufficient infinite to walk betwixt them.
The number of inhabitants may amount to viii thousand; and, similar most of the natives residing on the coast, they fish with the cast-net regularly every morning, excepting on their fetish days.
Although Elmina belongs to Warsaw, the manlike individual monarch does non forbid the inhabitants from exercising municipal authority. These people were guilty of an human activity some years ago, which tin never live forgotten. The governor, Hoogenboom, having given them some get of offence, they beset him 1 even at the billiard-table as well as murdered him inwards the most inhuman manner. Elmina is the easternmost maritime town inwards the kingdom of Warsaw, as well as Chama the most western. I take hold already stated that this ground is tributary to Ashantee, as well as take hold described the diverse towns on the coast which I take hold been at; but never having been inwards the interior of this kingdom, I volition non sweat a description of it.
The Warsaws carry on a considerable merchandise with Europeans, inwards aureate as well as ivory as well as are to a greater extent than remarkable for honesty than their neighbours the Fantees.
If they take hold whatever palaver (dispute), the Pynins as well as Cabboceers (Pynins as well as Cabboceers signify the magistrates or caput men of the town, the chiefs) get together to hear the parties, which sometimes occupies them a whole day, equally they are extremely clever inwards argument, as well as volition ofttimes utter for hours together. When the Pynins cannot create upwards one's hear to the satisfaction of the parties inwards town, they get together inwards the fort as well as submit the instance to the determination of the governor .
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
- Lawrence, A. W. Trade Castles as well as Forts of West Africa, Jonathan Cape, London, 1963 (quotations as well as notes) See also Lawrence, A. W. Fortified Trade Posts: The English linguistic communication inwards West Africa 1645-1822, Jonathan Cape, London, 1968 (recast inwards a shortened shape as well as retitled) Copyright stuff is used hither with the permission of the owners, the Trustees of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Trust.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
32 Dutch maintained a cotton wool plantation close Axim as well as Shama 1765-83
49 Senior as well as junior officers, gratis artisans, soldiers, slaves for indoor as well as outdoor work. Paid (sometimes live-in) gratis Africans or mulattoes. If necessary Governor mightiness fifty-fifty larn supplies from a unusual fort inwards the neighbourhood. In 1778 Cape Coast borrowed cartridge newspaper from Elmina. In 1780 Elmina sold 55 fathoms of novel 5" cable, weight 274 lbs. at 1 oz of aureate per 100 lbs. for a schooner of the English linguistic communication company.
Loneliness: mutual business organisation normally arranged past times letter.
Only Members of Council or Company's seamen made regular journeys. Officers jumped at the take chances of going visiting, several hours past times canoe or inwards a hammock carried past times 1 or 2 couples of men.
Different companies entertained 1 another, relations superficially amicable, business organisation rivalry, spies, plots.
1779. 'The indefatigable pains as well as perseverance, peculiar to the Dutch, with which they past times degrees endeavour inwards futurity to convey virtually their dear as well as political but diabolical conception to forcefulness the English linguistic communication town of Komenda into uniting with their ain protectorate across the river.
Tedium, strains, isolation, conditions of physical as well as mental distress, grumbling, bad temper. Open dissensions as well as quarreling at the Governor's table. Maudlin as well as assertive recollections of elderly governor. Senior officers mightiness adjust for Africans to drum as well as trip the low-cal fantastic inwards the garden for their entertainment. Main characteristic of conviviality was drinking. Dutch favoured neat brandy or rum. English mixed their brandy with lime juice, carbohydrate as well as water. Drank to excess.
English allowed men to pass the nighttime inwards the town as well as to convey women into the fort. Dutch inflicted heavy penalties for both offences. Dutch allowed men exterior forts only inwards daylight. Gates unbolted at twenty-four hours break, slaves living inwards huts exterior reported for duty. Africans from elsewhere mightiness come upwards inwards to purchase as well as sell. Lengthy process, values reckoned inwards weight of gold. Slaves brought firewood - large amounts required. Arrival of ships interrupted everyone's routine. When the fort's sentinel sighted approaching sails, the flag was hoisted as well as preparations made to have the vessel. Canon made ready (is it a pirate?) Friendly man-o-war or ship with VIP entitled to a salute of so many guns. Cargo brought ashore past times canoes or little boats belonging to the fort. Canoemen organized past times a bumboy, gratis African employed past times the fort. Transport of goods from the beach to storerooms done past times slaves, on their heads. Clerical staff hard worked, inventory of incomings, calculating prices. Ship's original inwards a hurry - scared of illness affecting his crew. Medical precautions. Men non to drinkable palmwine. Unsuitable living quarters, pitiable diet, habitual drunkenness, savage punishments. Malaria, yellowish fever, waterborne diseases. Dutch began with the intention of keeping chaplain's post filled - provided a little library of devotional books (1645). Soon resorted to unordained preachers. Dutch company's board inwards Amsterdam ever prohibited concubinage with local women; practice flourished none the less, though inwards secret. Dutch governor's tabular array had (1722) x dishes of victuals, diverseness of beer as well as wine, attendance of 6 negro servants, each a aureate chain circular his neck. Wheat imported, issued out against pay inwards the shape of biscuit. Stocks ran out. Guinea corn or maize used instead. Fresh meat seldom obtained fifty-fifty past times officers, vegetables grown for commander's table. Unprivileged Europeans relied on salted or smoked meat, flour, cheese, butter. Ignored the abundance of fresh fish. Every underground cistern was walled, floored as well as vaulted inwards brick. Rectangular box-like brick conducted H2O from roofs to channels which ran beneath the paving of the courtyard.
122 Re Elmina. Rationalization past times the Dutch 1637-82. Layout inwards 1637 was inwards full general equally today. Buildings contained doorways as well as windows lined with Dutch brick on upper floors. Dutch rarely used the give-and-take bastion. Majority of Dutch piece of work undertaken for improvement - to obtain weatherproof store rooms (ground floor); to increment living accommodation (above). Upper storeys are floored with wood as well as covered with apartment or gabled roofs according to the width of span.
123 In places the Dutch added 2 or to a greater extent than storeys. By 1774 the reconstruction had been virtually completed. Enormous volume of newspaper accumulated from 1675-1791 past times 2nd Dutch fellowship as well as equally yet uncalendered.
124 Based on written report past times Michael Hemmersham, Nuremberg goldsmith, 1639 -1645 at Elmina. When y'all come upwards within the castle at that spot is a large opened upwards infinite on which is a church building that nowadays is used equally a buying as well as trading house. East bastion . . . there a bell on the walls is pulled past times the soldiers as well as struck equally often equally the hours are struck alongside us on our towers. If you climb upwards some steps at that spot y'all come upwards to a tower (north circular tower) inwards which lived the Treasurer as well as higher upwards him the Crew Master (Commodore) who is inwards command of the ships. If y'all go upwards some other stair, on your left is a gallery within the castle to the outward (an enclosed passage behind the outer wall of the rectangular block) But on your correct is a well-built breastwork, from which y'all go downward 3 or iv steps as well as on your correct manus come upwards to the battery on which prevarication nine cannon cast inwards brass. This is called the Governor's battery since his spot is unopen past times (in the rectangular block) through which y'all tin go as well as come upwards downward in 1 trial again to the courtyard. . .
In my fourth dimension a passage was built around the N Tower where the Treasurer has his spot as well as a bell was brought from Sao Tome as well as hung at that spot on the walls so equally to strike the hours both past times twenty-four hours as well as past times night. Riverine yard called the truthful cat yard, where many civet cats are kept. The perfume manufacture - an of import 1 inwards those times of piffling washing - relied greatly on the odorous secretions of civets, which, inwards captivity could live deprived of their scent twice weekly. Dutch handgrip the castle garrisoned with people of High German as well as depression countries race. Whatever a man's organized religious belief mightiness be, nosotros held our Sundays with prayer, reading as well as singing inwards the Governor's quarters inwards the keen hall, which was hung with pikes, muskets as well as similar weapons.
129 1645 Governor had a kitchen built exterior the church building betwixt the pillars, 11' long past times 5'6" wide. Castle armed with 21 large brass guns including 1 48-pounder mortar, 6 - 24 pounders 1 - fourteen pounder canon, 5 - 12 pounders, 3000 canon balls of iron, 153 of stone, 53 - 12 lb 130 - 8 lb mortar bombs 53 spare muskets, 20 anchors, 200 - 1000 lb (for sale), canvas for sails, salted or dried food, 41 barrels of meat = 8 tons, 500 lbs of common salt fish, 85 Europeans, 184 slaves (ate African food) Garrison of 69 officers as well as men, Governor, 4 Europeans concerned solely with trade, nine inwards accuse of handicrafts, a lay preacher (or comforter) who at this fourth dimension conducted religious services on Th as well as Sunday, acted equally a medical dispenser inwards the absence of a chaplain as well as doctor.
From fourth dimension to fourth dimension a chaplain had been appointed but invariably resigned as well as went dorsum to Holland. Small collection of pious books, 72 copies of the Psalms. Medical stores: 147 varieties of ointments, plasters, drugs, etc.
No 1 was allowed out inwards the evenings as well as so the occupants of the castle mightiness take hold escaped malaria as well as yellowish fever, because the air current off the sea keeps mosquitoes away. . . Fort St. Iago enjoys no such immunity. System of guarding it past times roster exposed the entire garrison to infection.
On slopes around the fort as well as inwards valley beyond grew fruit, salads as well as greenish vegetables - preventatives of scurvy. Soldiers' lodgings backed against the drape wall of the keen courtyard: admitted air on 1 side only as well as pelting ofttimes came through the roof. Roofs to a greater extent than often than non tiled. Wood of roofs as well as floors constantly needed replacement. Timber was cutting at Shama or Axim as well as shipped along the coast on the ketches built at that spot past times the Dutch, sawn upwards past times castle slaves. Company vaulted all storage infinite since tiled roofs leaked. Bricks from The Netherlands came out equally ballast, thin, cream to greyish yellow.
132 1682 Castle is built square, with rattling high walls of a dark chocolate-brown stone. Garrison 100 white men as well as perhaps equally many dark soldiers, all inwards the Company's pay. Drawbridge is defended past times a redoubt (the W bastion) with 8 Fe guns as well as a ditch inwards the stone 20ft. deep as well as 18ft broad with an Fe portcullis as well as 4 brass pattereroes within the gate as well as a large guardroom next to it. On the ground side the castle has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O for the utilization of garrison as well as ships.
Besides 3 rattling fine cisterns within the place, each holding several hundred tuns to salve the rain, so that garrison is inwards no keen danger of wanting water. . . There is room inwards the castle for a garrison of 200 men as well as several officers. The general's (governor's) lodgings are higher upwards inwards the castle, the ascent to which is upwards a large white as well as dark stone staircase, defended at the top past times 2 brass guns as well as 4 pattereroes of the same metal. . . as well as a guard room, pretty large, next to which is a keen hall total of little arms of several sorts, equally an arsenal, through which as well as past times a by-passage y'all larn into a fine long gallery, all wainscoted, at each halt of which at that spot are large drinking glass windows, as well as through it is the way to the general's lodgings, containing several practiced chambers as well as offices along the ramparts.
133 The compting houses particularly, are large, finely fitted for the manufacturing flora accomtants bookkeepers as well as servants, inwards all threescore persons.
142 Governor's kitchen, close W corner of the 2nd floor, contains a fireplace as well as a chimney; all the officers ate at the governor's table, hence the enormous size.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
- Lever, J.T., Mulatto influence on the Gold Coast inwards the early on nineteenth century : Jan Nieser of Elmina / . In: African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 253-261.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Van Dantzig, Albert, Castles as well as Forts of Republic of Ghana equally a Collective Historical Monument, inwards Maggie Dodds (ed.), History of Ghana, American Women's Association, Accra, 1974.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
Now forts as well as castles of course of instruction nosotros observe inwards many parts of the world. Most of the forts as well as castles nosotros know exterior Republic of Ghana are either armed forces forts or left over from the Middle Ages, the Feudal era, as well as inwards that instance they are often grown out into palaces. An representative of the extreme shape of palaces growing out of forts is the Versailles Palace close Paris. But the forts as well as castles exterior Europe took mostly the character, specially if they were built past times Europeans, of outposts or strongholds similar y'all take hold inwards the United States of America - similar Fort Worth, Fort Duquesne; hither inwards Africa too, such equally Fort Lamy, an representative of armed forces outpost. What nosotros take hold inwards Republic of Ghana is rather unique, this whole serial of merchandise forts. The genuinely interesting thing of all the forts as well as castles of Republic of Ghana is non so much the private buildings which genuinely are, let's confront it, less impressive than Versailles or the chateaux along the Loire inwards France, but rather the forts as well as castles equally a collective historical monument. Because what is genuinely most surprising as well as interesting is that over less than 300 miles of coastline, inwards a relatively small menses of virtually 3 centuries, non less than threescore fortified merchandise posts of diverse kinds were built. (The original text has a unproblematic map of the coast showing the next forts as well as castles listed from E to west:
Keta (Fort Prindesten),
Ada (Fort Kongesten),
Ningo (Fort Fredensborg),
Prampram (Fort Vernon),
Kpone,
Tema,
Teshie (Fort Augustaborg),
Accra (Christiansborg/Osu Castle,
Fort Crevecoeur/Ussher Fort, James Fort),
Senya Bereku (Fort de Goede Hoop/Good Hope),
Winneba,
Apam (Fort Leydsaamheyd),
Tantumquery,
Amoku,
Kormantin (Fort Amsterdam),
Anomabu (Fort William),
Mori (Fort Nassau),
Cape Coast (Cape Coast Castle),
Elmina (St. George d'Elmina, Fort Conraadsburg),
Komenda (Fort Vrendenbourgh),
British Komenda,
Shama (St. Sebastian),
English Secondi,
Dutch Secondi (Fort Orange),
Takoradi (Fort Witsen),
Butri (Fort Batenstein),
Dixcove, kwidi (Fort Dorethea),
Fort Duma, Takrama (Fort Louise),
Princes Town (Gross Frederichsburg/Fort Hollandia),
Fort Ruychaver, Axim (Fort St. Anthony),
Ankobra (Elise Carthago),
Beyin.
We could inwards a way regard the whole set of forts as well as castles as well as merchandise lodges inwards Republic of Ghana equally a sort of huge shopping street - shopping street of a few government-sponsored trading companies which did non sell for money so much equally for merchandise goods from Africa - a sort of barter merchandise therefore. Although nosotros should non forget that nosotros did take hold hither on the coast a currency inwards the shape of aureate dust.
The diverse establishments of the European companies, the chartered companies, vary greatly inwards importance, ranging from the large castles - inwards fact at that spot are only 3 castles inwards Ghana; Elmina, which was the headquarters of the Portuguese, after the Dutch; Cape Coast Castle, built past times the British; Christiansborg Castle hither inwards Accra, built past times the Danes. Those large castles had several hundred large guns, large garrisons, commercial officials as well as authorities officials as well as at a. after stage, the existent craftsmen. There was a considerable number of castle slaves also - often craftsmen themselves. In many respects these large castles tin live seen equally mini-cities genuinely but depression inwards the scale nosotros take hold the ordinary forts. And fifty-fifty the Prussian headquarters at Gross Frederichsburg, at Princes Town, was never called anything other than a fort. Of course of instruction it was much smaller than the other 3 castles. These forts often had upwards to virtually l guns, a commercial as well as armed forces commander united inwards 1 person, with a few soldiers as well as few officials for commerce. Then finally at that spot was a large number of so-called lodges which were mostly manned only past times civil assistants non past times existent fighters. Often they were only occupied when ships came to anchor for trade as well as they mostly had only rudimentary forms of defense forcefulness with 1 bastion, 2 or 3 guns, or the rather peculiar instance of the Dutch lodge at Mount Congh, at nowadays called Queen Ann's Point, close Cape Coast, virtually which it was reported at the halt of the 17th century: �We take hold hither 1 homo with an axe.�
Why did the forts as well as castles fountain upwards hither inwards Republic of Ghana inwards such keen density, 1 may ask. There are several reasons for this as well as 1 of the to a greater extent than of import is perhaps but of geography. Both E as well as westward of Republic of Ghana - the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire as well as into Togo, Dahomey as well as Nigeria expanse - nosotros take hold only depression sandy coasts backed past times a scheme of lagoons with to a greater extent than often than non rather unsafe surf; no natural harbours; whereas only inwards this expanse from the Volta to roughly Cape Three Points nosotros take hold this quite different type of coast with many natural harbours - piffling bays as well as coves with promontories rattling useful for edifice forts which were aiming at defending the sea-roads inwards forepart of a sure as shooting expanse which was developed equally a trading area. Then some other payoff of the Gold Coast was that aureate was found as well as mined at fairly unopen distance from the coast, which nosotros don't observe either E or west. Furthermore, inwards the menses inwards which the forts were built - betwixt the 15th as well as 18th centuries - Europe had an insatiable demand for gold. Finally, perhaps 1 of the most of import reasons that so many forts were built, is that so many companies could settle hither yet none of these European nations colonized the Gold Coast equally they did other parts of the world. This tin partially live explained past times the fact that African society hither was but too good organized already before the arrival of the Europeans to allow but the taking into possession, equally happened for instance inwards many parts of America. In fact the African chiefs, coastal chiefs, as well as the traders from the interior to the coast, were rattling quick to recognize the advantages of this competition betwixt the diverse European companies.
So Republic of Ghana has indeed a fairly unique history if y'all facial expression at the full general colonial history of the world, because this is 1 of the rarer areas where for 300 years European as well as non-Europeans had been trading basically on a pes of equality. And fifty-fifty afterwards, inwards the 19th century, inwards the keen era of imperialism, at that spot was genuinely no room inwards Republic of Ghana for the type of colonial exploitation that nosotros observe inwards such areas equally the Congo. The famous Fante Bond of 1844 is indeed 1 of the earliest types inwards Africa of a modern independence movement. These forts as well as castles did inwards fact give a feel of security to both Europeans as well as Africans. To the African they gave the security that the Europeans were non probable to �break out� from their forts. But on the other hand, past times treaty also, Europeans were compelled to come upwards to the defense forcefulness of the coastal states inwards which they established these forts inwards instance these states were attacked from the interior. I must of course of instruction telephone telephone your attending to the fact that the Europeans did non ever come upwards to their aid, specially hither inwards Accra at the fourth dimension of Akwamu invasions, Akim invasions, Asante invasions, against which Europeans, inwards spite of all these beautiful treaties didn't do anything. Perhaps the forts as well as castles also, to a considerable extent satisfied the �Territorial Imperative�, to utter with the words of Ardrey of the Europeans themselves. They did experience a sure as shooting sort of security within those walls of forts as well as castles which were genuinely built on territory they only rented from the local chiefs. Finally, the local chiefs also brought of their ain gratis volition many of their so-called palavers to the castles as well as forts, known inwards Fante equally Aban. The Aban became the basis of after politics inwards Republic of Ghana as well as at that spot is still, inwards Fante the give-and-take Aban, used to delineate �government.� Such informal jurisdiction developed specially inwards the early on stages inwards Elmina; after inwards as well as around Axim; as well as of course of instruction at that spot is the famous instance of the 1830s of Governor Maclean who did the same thing around Cape Coast as well as so into the interior.
So to summarize my introduction I think it is a flake shortsighted to say virtually the forts as well as castles - �Well it may live a tourist attraction of Republic of Ghana but let's non stress it too much because they are just European leftovers of colonial days.� The forts as well as castles tin with sufficient reason, to some extent, live regarded non only equally monuments to the slave merchandise because they were used for slave trade, but also to a long history, a long tradition of Ghanaian independence. Surprisingly as well as paradoxically equally it may sound, they could live regarded to some extent fifty-fifty equally monuments of liberty - monuments at least, of equality. (If y'all disagree delight allow me know inwards the query hour!)
Something virtually the mutual characteristics nosotros observe inwards the diverse forts as well as castles which of course of instruction individually are quite different yet nosotros tin recognize some basic features. Generally the basic pattern is a foursquare surrounded past times drape walls which halt inwards pointed bastions. Within this foursquare of drape walls as well as bastions are built 1 or sometimes to a greater extent than than one, to a greater extent than often than non 2 storied buildings; inwards the bigger forts sometimes 3 stories or a tower. Also inwards virtually all the forts nosotros find, below the key square, the cisterns, or inwards smaller courts, 1 cistern. The ground flooring of the forts as well as castles is to a greater extent than often than non used for storerooms - at that spot is no ventilation on the outside, only on the within - or for rooms for the garrison for the lower officials. The top flooring is for residence for high officials, for officers, as well as for the �palaver halls� which nosotros observe inwards most forts as well as castles. The bastions are sometimes solid, similar the drape wall, but also often nosotros observe hollow bastions which were used for instance equally pulverization magazines, or inwards the days of the slave merchandise - as well as I demand non tell y'all that slave merchandise was developed rather belatedly hither compared to other parts of Africa - these hollow bastions were often used for slave prisons or slave holds.
Now most of the forts were greatly expanded, specially inwards the 18th century. At a after phase they developed so-called spurs. These were outer walls forming a sort of triangle inwards forepart of the main gate. Sometimes they became virtually a portion of the fort equally they did at Cape Coast or Dixcove. Other times they were but sparse walls surrounding service areas which inwards instance of state of war were also used to provide shelter for the towns-people against invading enemies. Sometimes these spurs became rattling big, bigger than the fort itself, equally nosotros take hold for instance inwards Apam as well as inwards little forts where merchandise did non develop rattling good as well as where the Europeans decided to utilization these forts to a greater extent than equally service forts rather than merchandise forts. So nosotros observe a large carpentry shop, a truthful cat yard, equally nosotros take hold at Elmina as well as other Dutch forts, yards where civet cats were reared who produced a sort of liquid which was rattling of import for the perfume industry. The cisterns played a rattling of import role non only for the provide of drinking H2O to the inhabitants of the fort but specially for provide of drinking H2O to passing ships, because these forts were non only merchandise forts but were also provide forts. They were stations midway inwards the long voyage that the ships made. Ships were often serviced close the ports themselves where at that spot was a sort of natural harbour. And castle gardens supplied fresh vegetables as well as fruits for the crews of the ships. Again inwards the days of slave merchandise large quantities of millet as well as corn, equally good equally palm oil, were also bought locally.
Then I shall assay to live equally brief equally possible on this most complicated land of study - �a brief history� of the forts as well as castles, where I may refer to books as well as booklets on the subject. Of course of instruction the first off fort was Elmina, built inwards 1482 past times the Portuguese. The Portuguese as well as Castilian had a tradition of fighting Islam since, inwards fact, the eighth Century A.D. By the middle of the 15th century the success of the Portuguese as well as the Castilian against Islam inwards the Iberian Peninsula was quite great. By the middle of the 15th century an of import trial took spot when, inwards the finally Christian outpost inwards the east, the metropolis of Constantinople was taken past times the Turks. It is genuinely from that appointment that nosotros regard specially the Portuguese getting keen on discovering a sea route to the Indies around the coast of Africa - the piece of work of Prince Henry the Navigator.
So inwards 1471 the first off Europeans arrived hither on the Republic of Guinea Coast, an event, which inwards fact, 2 years agone was celebrated with a special historical conference. Hardly x years later, 1481, Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated with the local main at Elmina for the construction of a fort - San Jorge d'Elmina. The hollo of the main with whom Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated is Caraman�a. This Caraman�a is often said to take hold been 1 of the first off chiefs of Elmina, past times hollo of Kwamena Ansah. Very nice, but modern historians to a greater extent than or less concur that past times 1482 at that spot were non yet whatever Fante on this coast. So how come upwards that inwards 1482 the �chief of Elmina� had a Fante name? Somehow it doesn't fit! Now inwards a 17th century booklet written for Louis XIV to back upwards some claims he thought to take hold on the Gold Coast, nosotros observe the description of these earliest contracts of d'Azambuja with non only Caraman�a but also �another Mansa�. This is quite interesting because mansa is also a sort of Mande or Arab championship for traders. So developed this to a greater extent than modern thought that genuinely the spelling of Caraman�a inwards Portuguese was perhaps a flake misleading, that it was genuinely Kara Mansa - a mansa named Kara - who negotiated with Diogo d'Azambuja. This would create the early on history of Elmina much clearer as well as much to a greater extent than understandable because at that spot is also this confusion virtually the root of the give-and-take �Elmina�. El is a particle, but inwards Spanish, non inwards Portuguese, as well as the Castilian had never had anything to do here. Elmina people would say, �the mine�. But that would live H5N1 Mina. In Arabic, on the other hand, nosotros take hold Mina pregnant �the port� as well as that does create sense. When the Portuguese arrived hither they found 1 mansa called Kara as well as when they asked him �what is the hollo of this place?� he replied, �the port - El Mina�. And that is why the Portuguese named the spot Elmina as well as non H5N1 Mina. Moreover at that spot were aureate mines but at a considerable distance from Elmina, non at Elmina itself. It also explains perhaps why the Portuguese went out straightaway to build such a large castle. Of course of instruction the original castle was non equally large equally the nowadays 1 but fifty-fifty the original one, which nosotros observe inwards that portion which is around the old courtyard - the little courtyard - was of considerable size. The architects when they facial expression at it take hold often been struck past times the fact that it looks so much similar a crusaders' castle - �krak�- inwards the Middle East. And it is rattling good possible that the Portuguese, arriving hither for the first off time, coming together Muslim traders, thought that inwards fact the keen Islamic Empire of northern Africa extended equally far equally this portion of the coast. They hence decided to build a crusaders' castle to constitute themselves firmly as well as to christianize the people around them. For which purpose indeed they set out straightaway.
Only after on they discovered they had built rather too large a castle for the unproblematic purpose of trade. Indeed the next 2 forts they built at Axim as well as at Shama, at natural outlets of the aureate merchandise of the Ankobra River as well as the Pra River, were much to a greater extent than modest inwards size. Also inwards 1482 it was only 30 years after the autumn of Constantinople inwards 1453 as well as it is known that past times that fourth dimension the western European Christians were deeply impressed past times the heavy cannon the Turks had used to breach the walls of Constantinople. Again nosotros recognize something of this at Elmina Castle where silent nosotros have, on the ground side, the northwest bastion which is indeed quite formidable. The Portuguese in all probability did facial expression at whatever fourth dimension after the construction of the fort that the Turks would march upwards with their keen field-cannon.
During the 16th century nosotros observe the first off signs of competition coming from the French as well as English linguistic communication traders who tried to penetrate inwards this official monopoly expanse of the Portuguese as well as at that fourth dimension it became necessary for the Portuguese to build defences to the seaward rather than to the landward. It appeared presently that the feared Muslims would non march upwards to drive them out as well as equally a affair of fact relationships with the Africans became quite friendly. Elmina itself even, shortly after the establishment of the castle, got Portuguese metropolis rights. But the greatest occupation presently seemed to live the competition on the sea - how to hold away these competitors from other parts of Europe. And so nosotros regard Elmina castle extending toward the sea with a whole novel courtyard as well as with heavy guns roofing the Elmina Roads. We observe the same thing inwards Axim now, a bastion pointing toward the sea, as well as inwards Shama. The competition of the English linguistic communication as well as the French was non equally unsafe equally that of the Dutch inwards the after 16th century because the Dutch decided to revolt against their overlords Philip II of Spain, as well as that when the Dutch were the main suppliers of merchandise goods to the Portuguese. They traditionally were redistributors of trade-goods coming from Asia as well as Africa to Lisbon from where they redistributed them all over the ease of Europe. But they sold at the same fourth dimension to the Portuguese traders inwards monastic tell to sell in 1 trial again overseas their manufactured products such equally cloth, which played a rattling of import role inwards the overseas trade. All that sort of broke upwards inwards a few years, at the halt of the 16th century - the Portuguese monopoly on the Gold Coast. Not only did the Dutch revolt against their overlord, the manlike individual monarch of Spain, inwards 1580 Kingdom of Spain as well as Portugal were also united nether 1 crown with the outcome that Portugal also became officially the enemy of the Dutch.
After 1580 nosotros regard Dutch transportation on the Gold Coast increment enormously. The Dutch were able to provide goods at a lower cost than the Portuguese as well as past times 1612 finally 1 of the local chiefs, the 1 of Asebu; broke the spell past times openly inviting the Dutch, sending inwards fact 2 ambassadors to The Netherlands to enquire the Dutch to build a fort at Mori. This fort unfortunately has nearly completely disappeared although nosotros tin silent regard some ruins of which the most striking characteristic perhaps is the keen quantity of Dutch bricks nosotros observe inwards the walls. Because traditionally the Dutch built inwards bricks, as well as moreover this was the first off fourth dimension they had built exterior of The Netherlands inwards fact they thought it safer to convey the edifice stuff from The Netherlands rather than to rely on the local people who equally yet were non fully dependable to the Dutch - equally officially they had treaties with the Portuguese. Soon they began to extend their influence. In 1624, shortly after the establishment of the Dutch West Indian Company they made a treaty with a main of a so newly arrived grouping of Fantes - a treaty which did non rattling much impress, apparently, this chief, Ambro-Braffo, of the Borbor-Fante; inwards 1631 they made a similar treaty with the English linguistic communication who had established themselves at Kormantin. With the growing Dutch as well as also the English linguistic communication competition the Portuguese were finding it rattling hard to larn their aureate as well as made some attempts to mine aureate themselves inwards a colina close Komenda - Abrobi Hill - an sweat which ended inwards total disaster. The mine collapsed as well as shortly afterwards they tried in 1 trial again inwards the interior, inwards the Ankobra Valley at the confluence of the Duma as well as Ankobra Rivers where in 1 trial again it is said they were surprised past times an earthquake which I believe is an erroneous interpretation because from some enquiry I conducted, perhaps they did observe aureate but also some silvery or electrum, which was a sign inwards traditional Akan mining that the spirits were against them as well as that is in all probability the ground why they all of a abrupt interrupted the ease of their activities. In 1637 the Dutch made, from Brazil, their concluding keen assault, after a few failures of before days, on the Portuguese main castle at Elmina, putting their guns on Saint Iago Hill which they after fortified with Coenraadsburg Fort. Very shortly afterwards, inwards 1642, the Portuguese were completely expelled from the whole Gold Coast. However the Dutch had never had equally much a monopoly equally the Portuguese had had because already nosotros take hold seen the English linguistic communication had established themselves at Kormantin as well as rattling presently the Dutch found the occupation of competition from other nations often inwards the shape of so-called �interloper companies� the Dutch sailors who united unusual flags as well as tried to compete inwards that way with those who were involved inwards the official charter fellowship -the West Republic of Republic of India Company.
In the years betwixt 1648-1659 nosotros regard specially the activities of the notorious renegade official of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company, a Pole past times nativity called Caerlof. Caerlof who first off nether Swedish flag established a large number of merchandise lodges as well as forts, next door equally y'all tin say, to the existing Dutch forts, so returned to Europe, made utilization of the fact the King of Sweden got himself involved inwards a state of war with the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as returned to the Gold Coast a 2nd fourth dimension nether Danish flag as well as promptly �conquered� his ain establishments! In the halt the Dutch inherited dorsum from the Danes most of these merchandise posts. One of the major results of this episode was the proliferation of novel forts. Caerlof built a foundation for Cape Coast Castle - Carolusburg - originally named after Charles X, so King of Sweden; also a fort at Takoradi, Butri, Anomabu as well as at Osu, the foundation of modern Christiansborg Castle. The episode of Caerlof also led to that extraordinary episode of the Dutch Fort Ruychaver (excuse me for pronunciation) when the Dutch built rattling far inland, inwards fact virtually 40 miles from the coast, a little fort on the correct banking concern of the Ankobra inwards the middle of the richest aureate producing expanse known then, close modern Prestea, silent an of import mining town, where they did for sometime a profitable trade. But presently it appeared the merchandise post was much too isolated. The commander of the fort got into a palaver with some of the chiefs as well as inwards the halt saw no other solution, since he could non communicate chop-chop with the coast, than to blow his attackers, together with himself, up! Which was the untimely halt of Fort Ruychaver!
Again after the episode of Caerlof quietness did non finally for a long time; presently the Dutch had to confront some other competition That was when the English linguistic communication decided to set upwards store inwards a bigger way after the Restoration when the novel King of England, Charles II, with his friends, decided to dabble a flake inwards overseas expansion. The early on English linguistic communication companies had non been rattling successful but at nowadays they had total financial back upwards as well as of course, total political support. The outcome of this was that inwards 1664 having been annoyed on several occasions past times the Dutch, the English linguistic communication decided to send a surprise fleet non only to the Gold Coast but also to the Dutch possessions inwards America, nether 1 Admiral Holmes. Indeed they were taken past times surprise as well as many of the forts were taken with the exception of Elmina Castle of course. But the Dutch too had their surprise inwards store for the English linguistic communication because before the English linguistic communication could gear upwards themselves properly to ward off a counter-attack - all this took spot inwards official peace time! - the Dutch sent Admiral De Ruyter who chop-chop recovered most of the lost forts as well as also conquered the original English linguistic communication headquarters at Kormantin, leaving nevertheless to the English linguistic communication the old Swedish fort of Carolusburg at Cape Coast.
It's a rattling essential episode that happened inwards 1664-1665 as well as that affected also y'all Americans. Because it was inwards that same naval state of war that the Dutch also lost New Amsterdam which was named after the Duke of York, blood brother of Charles II, after James II, who played an of import role inwards overseas expansion equally I've said. So New Amsterdam became New York as well as inwards revenge the Dutch named the old English linguistic communication fort at Kormantin after Amsterdam - perhaps to create upwards for the loss of �New Amsterdam�! The Duke of York indeed continued to involvement himself inwards the African enterprise. It was he also who first off encouraged the striking of the famous Guineas, the aureate coins made of Republic of Guinea gold, which were so pure that inwards fact they became worth to a greater extent than than the official pound sterling. Until quite of late the English linguistic communication used the term �Guinea� to announce the equivalent of 21 shillings.
In 1672 the Africa merchandise was spot on a novel as well as sounder ground inwards England with the foundation of the Royal African Company which became the keen competitor of the Dutch West Indian Company inwards this portion of the world. It was this Royal Africa Company which also built hither inwards Accra, James Fort.
Again at that spot are few Americans who realize that James Fort as well as New York are genuinely named after the same person. As if the province of affairs wasn't complicated enough, inwards the 1680s nosotros larn in 1 trial again a novel land establishing itself - the Brandenburg African Company, inwards fact, some other Dutch interloper company, which established a fairly large fort at Princes Town as well as a few modest stations inwards Ahanta; highly annoying for the Dutch who upwards to that fourth dimension thought the Ahanta area, closest to the aureate producing area, was alone theirs. All this competition was bound to atomic number 82 to turmoil, also within the interior of the Gold Coast as well as this nosotros regard take spot indeed after 1690 when specially the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch got involved inwards their endlessly complicated serial of wars known equally the Komenda wars, centered around Komenda where both Dutch as well as English linguistic communication built a fort within shooting make of each other. Komenda was also described inwards a famous volume past times William Bosman which shows how this cut-throat competition non only led to a full general involvement of the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch inwards the politics of the immediate interior but also led to a gradual decline inwards the provide of gold. So that past times 1700 inwards fact the aureate merchandise was so much inwards decline that Europe had to facial expression also to the Gold Coast for that other keen �commodity� from Africa - commodity inwards quotation marks - slaves. It was only after 1700 that the slave merchandise became of import on the Gold Coast, which, past times the Portuguese as well as also for a long fourth dimension past times the Dutch, was ever regarded equally unfit for the slave trade. For slave merchandise y'all needed state of war as well as with state of war merchandise paths from the aureate mines to the coast could non remain open. We recognize this episode, the chapter of the slave trade, also the construction of the forts with the relatively novel extensions inwards the shape of hollow bastions, slave prisons, of which nosotros silent observe this notorious representative inwards Cape Coast Castle - the dungeons. Around 1700 also, although their competition continued to live unsuccessful, we've seen attempts of the French to penetrate - much feared past times the English linguistic communication as well as Dutch as well as the Danes as well as Brandenburgers. Though planned with keen grandeur cipher comes out of it but a little wooden fort which lasted only 2 years. In the belatedly 18th century nosotros observe silent a number of forts built at the extremes of the Gold Coast - the English linguistic communication at Beyin inwards Nzima area, the Danes at Keta, Ada, as well as also a little British fort at Prampram. But the keen historic menses of fort edifice was genuinely over past times that time.
In the 19th century nosotros regard in 1 trial again an alone novel evolution which inwards a way is dorsum to �square one�! The Portuguese started past times edifice defences mainly on the landside. We regard that it in 1 trial again became necessary to build defences on the landside, this fourth dimension against the invading Asante or, inwards the instance of Elmina, against the Fante, who were the keen enemies of Elminas. So around Cape Coast as well as Elmina nosotros regard inwards the 19th century the construction of a number of fortifications which are genuinely non meant for merchandise but purely for protection. In fact Coenraadsburg Fort, built inwards 1665, inwards the days of Holmes as well as De Ruyter, is the only fort which was built for defense forcefulness purposes as well as non for merchandise alongside the forts of Ghana. In the 19th century also nosotros observe some attempts for the foundation of plantations. But on the other manus the African trading elite became independent as well as nosotros regard established centers inwards such places equally Axim or Cape Coast or Sekondi of the grand houses of the first off independent African traders. The smaller forts began to autumn into decay. The castles themselves became at nowadays mainly authorities offices - rattling piffling merchandise is genuinely done at that spot - or regular army barracks. Cape Coast first off was actually, after the deviation of the Dutch inwards 1872, the uppercase of the Gold Coast. But inwards 1876 the English linguistic communication moved their uppercase to Accra as well as made Christiansborg the spot of authorities which is what it is upwards to this rattling day. Other forts are turned into post offices or ease houses but it's only inwards around 1950 the province begins in 1 trial again to go officially interested inwards these buildings as well as monuments. Now inwards the 1970s nosotros are getting to the phase where all these forts are beingness restored. In Cape Coast Castle a museum is going to opened upwards rattling soon, Elmina Castle volition live turned into a tourist hostel as well as most of the other forts volition serve equally ease houses.
I think it is nearly fourth dimension that I stop. But silent I would similar to say a few words . . . �Stop looking at your watch!� . . . a few words virtually life inwards as well as around the forts because that is something which people visiting these places don't ever realize - what was life genuinely similar inwards these forts.
They are sometimes called ships permanently at anchor inwards the days of the companies. The whole organisation of social life inwards the forts was rattling much similar that on a ship. Very important, key for the fort, was the flag - rattling essential that the flag was hoisted rattling early on inwards the forenoon as well as lowered belatedly at night. And also, if y'all were a trader, to create sure as shooting that y'all went to the correct place. Between Cape Coast as well as Anomabu y'all had v forts of 2 or 3 different nations. If y'all were just one-half a mile incorrect y'all could facial expression to live shot at past times the enemy. So it was indeed essential that y'all clearly showed yourself past times your colours. That is also why y'all observe on those old engravings those unbelievable large pieces of textile hanging over these forts.
Life inwards the fort was furthermore similar on ship - regulated past times bells as well as the threescore minutes glass. Bells 1 may observe only inwards a few places silent extant but many of these forts silent take hold bell towers that are at nowadays empty - for instance the circular tower of Elmina Castle on the northeast side. Then rattling of import similar on ships was the firing of salutes. Every fourth dimension a ship arrived salutes were fired. It is interesting to know that some forts inwards fact had such first-class natural defences or were so unimportant that they take hold never fired anything but salutes. Places similar Butri had something similar 20 cannon but those cannon had never been used for anything other than firing salutes. The commercial as well as political hierarchy inwards the forts was parallel to as well as sometimes coincided with the armed forces hierarchy. Of the companies the West Indian Company was the most permanent - as well as personally I tin tell y'all to a greater extent than as well as I experience to a greater extent than confident on that land of study rather than on that of the Danish, High German or English linguistic communication companies. For the day-to-day authorities at Elmina the Director-General was assisted past times a Council consisting the main merchant, the financial bookkeeper-general, some main factors; as well as so he was assisted exterior Elmina past times factors as well as sub factors who commanded the modest forts. The council, consisting of the aforementioned, decided on policy of merchandise as well as full general politics also, equally much equally it involved making treaties with local chiefs. In fact the director-general as well as council did constitute a sort of existent authorities as well as had considerable power, much greater powerfulness than whatever modern trading fellowship acting inwards this country. Scribes of course of instruction had extremely hard piece of work before the days of the typewriter. All of import letters had to live made at to the lowest degree inwards triplo, 1 re-create for the local file, 1 re-create for the directors inwards Amsterdam - the so-called assembly of 10; as well as 1 re-create for 1 of the diverse chapters of the West Indian Company concerned. The Company was sub-divided inwards 5 chambers representing the major trading cities inwards the Netherlands. Also the communications with the Netherlands were extremely slow, specially the outwards send service from the Gold Coast to Europe which sometimes took to a greater extent than than 1� years because ships could non canvass but from the upper coast to the lower coast with the electrical flow as well as the prevailing winds. All of y'all take hold been swimming sometimes inwards the sea hither as well as know that the electrical flow is ever from the westward to the east. When y'all are looking at the airdrome all the planes are ever taking off against the nearly permanent western winds. So letters from Gold Coast to the Netherlands had to go all the way to the West Indies as well as sometimes to North America before they reached home.
And so for instance I sometimes found references to well-known events - for instance to the expiry of Queen Ann which I believe was inwards 1714, which was commemorated inwards a alphabetic character written inwards 1718 because that was the first off fourth dimension they had heard she died - after to a greater extent than than 3 years! Another incident which is interesting to annotation how essential it was indeed to canvass from the westward to the E non the E to the westward - inwards 1641 when the Dutch tried to conquer Axim, where, the Portuguese were silent holding out after the Dutch had captured Elmina they sent a little fleet - unwisely inwards the rainy flavor when the winds as well as the electrical flow are strongest - inwards monastic tell to capture Axim. But after 4� weeks the commander of this fleet decided to homecoming because he had reached only Takoradi!
Furthermore social life at the forts must take hold been extremely dull really. The only way of amusing oneself was drinking as well as that is in all probability what has also given the Republic of Guinea Coast the hollo �white man's grave�! - non that the climate was so unhealthy but that people drank themselves to death! Life was extremely, severely regulated. The gates of the castle closed at nighttime at seven; the drawbridges, if they were there, were drawn up. And yet all these preventive measures, did non forbid the ascent of a mulatto class. Of course of instruction 1 should non live too hard on the men of those days because at that spot were rattling few European women around as well as those that did come upwards either died or were indeed hardly attractive equally I empathise from descriptions. These women sometimes occupied their gratis time, as well as they had lots of gratis time, with the distribution of large quantities of bibles which I'm afraid were non rattling much read! There were of course of instruction attempts to constitute schools inwards the castles, specially at Cape Coast as well as Elmina but in 1 trial again it was non rattling successful as well as to my surprise, fifty-fifty inwards modern works on Ghanaian education, this is stressed far more, these early on failures of the early on castle schools, than the much to a greater extent than of import preparation which was given inwards the courtyards - these workshops where many Africans were trained inwards such useful crafts equally carpentry, ship repairing, as well as gardening. Gardening in 1 trial again was mainly done for the inhabitants of the forts or for the provide for the ships. But at to the lowest degree they had the effect inwards this ground that many novel crops were introduced, such equally tomatoes, maize, some people fifty-fifty say the ameliorate qualities of yam. And these must take hold originally come upwards from these castle gardens.
Well I've tried to remain within the boundary of time. I'm non sure as shooting how clear I've been but at to the lowest degree I hope I've been clear plenty to arouse some questions inwards you.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
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Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
| from: Van Dantzig, A, Het Nederlandse Aandeel inwards de Slawenhandel Fibula 1968 (in Dutch) Jan Pranger, "governor of the Gold Coast." In the background, an African servant. Through the window, inwards the distance, fort Coenraadsburgh is visible. Painting past times Frans van der Mijn, 1742 credit Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam |
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
- van Kessel, I (ed.) Merchants, Missionaries & Migrants: 300 years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations. Kit Publishers & Sub-Saharan Publishers, 2002.
- Authors: E. Kusruri, D. Kpobi, D.K. Arhinful, H. van der Zee, A. Pakosie, J.J. Vrij, N. Everts, V.K. Nyanteng,
- In Nov 1701, David van Nyendael, an envoy of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company (WIC) was the first off European to see the royal courtroom inwards Kumasi, uppercase of the emerging Ashanti empire inwards the hinterland of the Gold Coast. Three hundred years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations take hold passed since then.
- Merchants, Missionaries as well as Migrants � 300 years of Dutch � Ghanaian Relations focuses on diverse aspects of the long-standing as well as intricate economic, political, cultural as well as human ties - past as well as present- between Ghanaians as well as Dutchmen.
- Experts from Ghana, the Netherlands, Surinam as well as Republic of Indonesia nowadays their enquiry findings on these issues. These fascinating histories deserve a broad audience. They delineate a broad make of topics from Dutch-Ghanaian history: from the merchandise inwards gold, ivory as well as slaves to the cocoa trade; from liaisons betwixt European men as well as African women inwards previous centuries to present-day Ghanaian migration to the Netherlands; from the involuntary migration of x of thousands of slaves to the plantations inwards Surinam to the piffling known history of the African soldiers who sailed from Elmina to serve inwards the Dutch regular army inwards the East Indies; as well as from the role of Dutch genever in Ghanaian ritual to the dramatic life story of Jacobus Capitein, the first off dark Christian government minister to live ordained inwards the Netherlands.
- Yarak, Larry W, Asante as well as the Dutch 1744-1873 Clarendon Press Oxford 1990 (quotations as well as notes)
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
9 sika sene, biribi nsen bio: Wealth surpasses everything sika ne ohene: money is king
44 Elmina to Kumasi 10 -12 days
95 In add-on to an overriding concern to go on Dutch domination of the Akan merchandise inwards exported gold, a major incentive for the Dutch to expand their commercial as well as armed forces presence inwards West Africa was the want to facilitate the procurement of slaves for the carbohydrate plantations of the New World. In 1734 the West Indian Company lost its monopoly to gratis Dutch traders inwards the slave merchandise equally access to the forts was opened to gratis Dutch traders. The company's direct participation inwards the slave merchandise ended presently thereafter equally private trading companies such equally the Middelburgsche Commercie Compagne assumed the chore of supplying the Dutch plantations inwards the Caribbean.
100 From 1735 until its dissolution inwards 1791 the West Indian company's activities on the Gold Coast were limited to those of an officially sanctioned direction trunk overseeing the staffing as well as physical maintenance of the Dutch forts. However, it remained the responsibleness of their personnel at the coast to regard to it that sufficient slaves were available for purchase past times the gratis Dutch traders inwards substitution for licensing fees as well as a duty on each slave purchased at the forts. Moreover, from 1754 fellowship employees were allowed to engage inwards private merchandise spell carrying out their official duties inwards the forts, a do that would go on good into the 19th century.
100 Dutch slave exports peaked inwards the 1760s when a total of some 70000 slaves were loaded onto Dutch ships. In Oct 1771 -- during previous 12 months 1500-1600 slaves were exported from Elmina. Annual average for 1770s 4900
- Summary : This study is based on the records of the Dutch coastal administration's Council of Senior Officials, roofing the menses betwixt 1815-1830. They provide fascinating as well as often vivid glimpses into otherwise obscure conditions of life. At a to a greater extent than analytical level, however, these records document important aspects of social tension within Elmina's shape structure. The cases dealt with involve theft, as well as murder, attempted murder of conspiracy to commit murder. Notes.
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana https://haftshappenings.blogspot.com/search?q=ghana-fort-elmina-1522-beter.jpg" width="640" />
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
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- Anquandah, J, Castles as well as Forts of Ghana, Republic of Ghana Museums & Monuments Board/Atalante, undated: 2000? ( with fine photographs past times Thierry Secretan)
- 59 (of Elmina Castle, quoting Jean Barbot, 1682): This castle has justly go famous for beauty as well as strength, having no equal on all the coasts of Guinea. Built foursquare with rattling high walls of dark chocolate-brown stone so rattling theatre that it may live said to live cannon-proof. On the ground side it has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O sufficient for the utilization of the garrison as well as the ships - canals cutting inwards the stone past times the Portuguese (by blowing upwards the stone piffling past times piffling with gunpowder. The warehouses either for goods or provisions are rattling largely as well as stately ever good furnished."
- Arhin, Kwame (ed.) The Cape Coast as well as Elmina Handbook: Past, nowadays as well as future, Inst. of African Studies, University of Ghana, 1995.Chapter One CAPE COAST AND ELMINA IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, Kwame Arhin
SECTION 2 ELMINA
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
10 The Dutch paid rents or goodwill money on the Castle ground successively to the local authorities, to Denkyera as well as Asante. . . The Dutch also had recourse to local women, produced children as well as built human bridges betwixt the stranger as well as host races. . . they supported their hosts, though only with ammunition, inwards their wars with their neighbours. . . .In the eighteenth as well as nineteenth centuries the Dutch cemented their alliance with Asante; non only through payment of "kostgeld," but also through the periodic substitution of presents which enriched Asante stuff culture. . . the basic indigenous economies of the trading centres were overlaid with occupations relating to the establishment of the European trading-fort. The basic elements of the indigenous economic scheme were cultivation, line-fishing as well as salt-making. In due course of instruction traders from the due north as well as overseas did business organisation inwards the market-place as well as at the houses inwards the village, as well as tillage as well as line-fishing advanced beyond subsistence: Cape Coast as well as Elmina were alongside the earliest centres of money economic scheme inwards the territories at nowadays embraced past times modern Ghana.
11 . . . The traditional socio-political organisation of Elmina was strongly modified past times its frontier as well as trading status. The basis construction was 1 of matrilineage localized inwards wards, whose heads, united inwards a constituted council, as well as led past times 1 of them, acted equally the supreme potency of the town as well as its subordinate or satellite villages. Headship of the Council was custom-determined inwards favour of the manlike individual descendants of the founder of the town who, alongside the Akan, are known equally the aristocrats/royals, adehyee. Headships of wards as well as villages are similarly determined, spell such offices equally those of spokesmen, akyeame, are vested inwards sure as shooting matrilineages.
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
- Hyland, A. D. C.. Chapter Two THE CASTLES OF ELMINA AND CAPE COAST, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO TOWNS
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
This is the oldest surviving European edifice inwards the torrid zone . . . the castle which the Portuguese began to build inwards 1482 was substantially complete, to its original plan, past times 1486 . . . several years before Columbus crossed the Atlantic . . . or Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope as well as opened upwards the sea route to India.
14 . . . In 1637, the Dutch made their concluding onrush on Elmina. . . Finally on the August 28 or 29, 1637, the Portuguese surrendered as well as handed over the castle to the Dutch, who were to remain masters of Elmina for over 200 years. . . As presently equally the Dutch were established inwards Elmina, they set virtually improving the defences . . . as well as . . . repairing the considerable harm caused past times the bombardment.
15 . . . the colina of St. Jago was fortified . . . Named Coenraadsburg past times the Dutch, the Fort was completed past times 1666 . . .
16 Elmina was the first off town on the Gold Coast of whatever architectural pretension; silent situated on the narrow peninsula betwixt the Benya Lagoon as well as the sea, the older portion of the town, characterized past times its steeply pitched thatched roof houses, . . remained at that spot until it was razed to the ground past times the British inwards 1873. During the eighteenth century, the town was silent rattling dependent on the Castle . . . In the early on years of the century . . . the main block fronting the Great Court was remodelled; as well as after inwards the century, the Governor's spot inwards the southward tower was extended past times edifice a wing higher upwards the main entrance of the Castle.
17 (A) map of 1799 shows Elmina equally it was during the early on years of Governor Bartels' administration, at which fourth dimension Elmina reached the apogee of its prestige as well as prosperity. Carl Ludwig Bartels, who was governor from 1789-1804, had been inwards Dutch authorities service inwards Elmina for many years previously, as well as had built a substantial theatre inwards the old town, unopen to the river, for his married adult woman as well as household unit of measurement inwards 1786.
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
- Astley, Thomas (ed) H5N1 New General Collection of Voyages as well as Travels Vol II London 1745
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
398 Captain Thomas Phillips 1693. Fort of Mina. They took a walk before dinner virtually the Castle which is old as well as built upon a stone after the Portuguese fashion, from whom the Dutch plundered it. It had iv flankers as well as virtually 18 guns inwards all, those towards the sea practiced as well as long as well as some of them brass; the walls are pretty high as well as the Gate potent which faces the continent. In the midst of the fort is their warehouse, kitchen as well as lodgings of the soldiers, over which at that spot are 3 or iv little rooms for the Factors. A keen portion of the roof as well as wall of that wherein they dined was fallen down. For dinner they had some muscovy duck, kid, fish as well as store of other provision. What Phillips liked best was a Yam pudding which consume rattling gratefully, managed past times the French Doctor, with carbohydrate as well as orangish juice. They had plenty of Punch as well as Stummed Rhenish wine; but a drinkable called Kokoro, looking similar sparse whey, as well as is a sort of palm wine, he preferred to whatever other. He thought it drank similar mead or rather Verdy, or white Florence wine, equally they telephone telephone it at Livorno. Dinner beingness over as well as the King's health, the African Company's as well as theirs beingness drank, each with a salvo of screw? guns, they were invited to select a walk, where the Negroes used to dance, virtually a quarter of a mile from the fort nether 2 or 3 rattling large Cotton trees, of which their canoes are made. Seats as well as liquor beingness brought, presently after came the musick, beingness 3 dark fellows with the similar number of hollow elephant teeth, through which they made a hideous bellowing as well as were accompanied past times some other who shell a hollow slice of brass with a stick. Then came Mr. Rawlisson (Dutch factor from Axim) the factor's wife, a pretty immature Mulatto, with a rich silk cloth virtually her middle as well as a silk cap upon her head, flowered with aureate as well as silver, nether which her pilus was combed out at length. For the mulattos covet to vesture it so inwards mistaken of the whites, never curling it upwards or letting it friz equally the blacks do. She was attended past times the Second's as well as Doctor's wives, immature blacks virtually thirteen. After the English linguistic communication had saluted them they went to trip the low-cal fantastic past times turns, inwards a ridiculous manner, making antic gestures with their arms, shoulders as well as heads, their feet having the to the lowest degree percentage inwards the action. They began moderately, but quickened their motions past times degrees, till at the latter halt they appeared perfecftly furious as well as distracted. . . The Town is on the East side, containing virtually an hundred houses or huts, straight along the banks of a river which empties itself into the sea close the castle, at the oral fissure of which is a landing place. The Author saw higher upwards an hundred men as well as women with pails on the side of the river, who they told him were washing of sand as well as dirt inwards search of aureate dust.
399 Sukkandi: went ashore at the English linguistic communication castle where found Mr. Johnson inwards his bed raving mad, through resentment of an affront spot on him past times 1 Van Hukeline, the Copeman or merchant of the Mina Castle. . . One Taguba, a noted Negro wench inwards Cape Coast town, gotten with kid past times some of the soldiers of the castle, was brought to bed of a mulatto girl, who growing virtually 11 years old, this Johnson, so a factor at Cape Coast, had a keen fancy for her as well as purposed to select her for his married adult woman (as they select wives inwards Guinea. . . note, That is, during Pleasure) and beingness virtually that fourth dimension removed to live main Factor at Sekondi, inwards monastic tell to create sure as shooting of the girl, he took her at that spot to live with him, till she was of historic menses check for conjugal embraces, using her with much tenderness as well as taking keen satisfaction inwards her fellowship for 2 or 3 years. But when she was grown up, beingness a pretty girl, Vanhukeline, past times bribes as well as presents corrupted her woman parent Taguba. . . girl kidnapped. Johnson after murdered on orders of Vanhukeline (who presently cracked the nut Johnson had been so long cooking to his ain tooth). When Phillips dined with the Dutch General at the Mina, he saw her there, beingness brought to trip the low-cal fantastic before them, rattling fine, bearing the championship Madam Vanhukeline. This as well as some other old differences with the Dutchman, had quite turned his brain.
400 Cape Coast castle. Before their departure, Captain Shirley as well as he entertained the Agents, Factors as well as other officers at Dinner inwards a foursquare summerhouse which stands inwards the middle of the Castle grounds.
401 Bought Indian corn for provision of the slaves to Barbados. The allowance beingness a pectus which contains virtually iv bushes for every Negro. Palm Oil.
401 . . . both dined with him aboard, with their wives, who were Mulattos. This he says is a pleasant way of marrying, for they tin plough their wives off, as well as select other at Pleasure, which makes them rattling careful to sense of humour their husbands inwards washing their linen, cleaning their chambers etc as well as the accuse of keeping them is piffling or nothing.
402 Winneba. Filled some H2O as well as cutting practiced store of firewood past times the Queen's permission. Their Queen is virtually l years old, dark equally jet, but rattling corpulent. They went to pay their respects to her nether a keen tree where she sat. She received them rattling kindly as well as made her attendants trip the low-cal fantastic after their way before them. She was gratis of his kisses to Mr. . . whom she seemed much to esteem. They presented her with an anchor of brandy each as well as some hands of tobacco. She was so extremely civil before they parted equally to offering each of them a bedfellow of her immature Maids of Honour spell they continued there, but they modestly declined her majesty's offer.
Here the author saw many guinea hens as well as diverse other fowl but was pleased most with the herd of wild deer ranging the plains. He saw at to the lowest degree v hundred at once, but so wild, that they could shoot none. Here are likewise large baboons, some equally large equally keen mastiffs. They go l or an hundred together. They are unsafe to live met with, especially past times women, whom (as the Author was credibly assured) they often seize as well as ravish to expiry past times lying with them 1 after the other.
402 Akra. Phillips bought a v manus canoe of the Black General who had seized the Danes fort there. (1693) It seems it was surprised past times a packet of negros, privately armed, who got inwards nether the pretence of trade, and having stabbed his 2nd spell he was showing them the goods dispersed to secure all the other inwards the castle, a political party lying concealed without to assist them upon signal given. The General hearing the tumult came out of his sleeping accommodation sword inwards manus to regard what was the affair as well as was instantly assaulted past times 2 blacks against whom he made practiced his ground for some time, calling out for assistance. But no to a greater extent than coming as well as to a greater extent than blacks pressing on he flung himself out of a window as well as fled to the Dutch after he had received several wounds 1 of which had disabled his left arm.
This Black General (now go governor) sent 2 of his servants to invite Mr B1 as well as Mr. B2 as well as the Captain to dine. While they accepting, were carried inwards hammocks he had sent to attend them. The guard at the castle demanded their swords, which all delivered but Phillips who refused. The General having been acquainted with it, came as well as told him it was his custom. The other replied, that mightiness be, but it was never the custom of English linguistic communication commanders to portion with their swords upon whatever business organisation human relationship whatsoever. In which finding him resolute the General seeming satisfied led them inwards showing them the way into the Dining Room which was past times climbing a ladder as well as entering through a hole or scuttle. When they were ascended, he drank to them as well as all the guns inwards the fort were discharged. After they had walked virtually a quarter of an threescore minutes inwards the castle, Phillips pulled off his sword of his ain accord, which, he perceived the King took rattling kindly.
They were treated with plenty punch as well as victuals, which were pretty good dressed. For the governor had been ready to 1 of the English linguistic communication factories as well as at nowadays went rattling often into the kitchen to give the necessary orders. Though at dinner he was inwards keen state, having a negro man child with a pistol at each side of him for a guard. He drank the King of England's the African company's as well as his guests' healths ofttimes with volleys of cannon of which he fired virtually 200 during their remain there. The flag he was flight was white with a dark homo painted inwards the middle brandishing a scimitar. . . In their way dorsum to the English linguistic communication castle (4 miles to the west) they killed 4 hares with clubs. This vermin frequents inwards vast number the sedge as well as furzes which are hereabouts rattling thick. Phillips thought them rattling insipid meat. Next twenty-four hours arrived 2 Danish ships with 26 guns each sent on purpose from Kingdom of Denmark to care for with the Black General virtually surrendering the fort. . . which he delivered upwards (after bargaining) upon signing of an musical instrument to quit all pretension of reparation or satisfaction from the Black General or his Accomplices, for seizing the castle, equally also the merchandizes as well as goods, as well as l marks of aureate that were inwards it as well as to pay downward 50 to a greater extent than at the delivery.
Chap III Rev Fr. Godfrey Lovyer, a Jacobine. Abstract of a voyage to Iffini on the Gold Coast. (This must live the Nzima coast.) - The next twenty-four hours 7.6.21 they came to Cape Tres Puntas ...story of Kaboshir, John Conny, who broke the heads of some of the crew regarding payment for H2O inwards casks.
On an side past times side colina stood the Danish (or equally some say the Brandenburgers') fort which some few years since having been relinquished past times them as well as thereby fallen inwards John Conny's possession, has occasioned some contests betwixt him as well as the Dutch. These last, pretending a championship of purchase, inwards 1720 sent a bomb-vessel, as well as 2 or 3 frigates to demand a surrendering; but John beingness a bold as well as subtil fellow, weighing their strength, answered, that he expected some musical instrument should live shown him to confirm the Brandenburgers' sale; as well as fifty-fifty with that, says he, I tin seen no pretence but to the ground was non theirs to dispose of. They take hold paid me rent for it (continues he) as well as since they take hold thought check to remove, I do non blueprint to tenant it out to whatever other white men spell I live. This sort of Palaver nettled the British; who threw inwards some bombs as well as shot; then to a greater extent than inflamed with rage as well as brandy, rashly landed 40 of their men, nether command of their lieutenant, to onrush the Town. They fired in 1 trial without whatever harm as well as so John at the caput of his men, rushing from nether the cover of the houses with greater force, cutting them inwards pieces , paving the entrance of his spot presently after with their skulls. This payoff made him rattling exact with everybody virtually what he called his dues, though just inwards Trade. When the English linguistic communication had returned to a practiced understanding (about the H2O MIH) the author (Atkins) with some other officers paid him a visit. The southerly winds made so keen a surf, that their landing was unsafe non to live performed past times their ain boats, but past times the canoes of his sending, for which they paid an akki. The Negro count the seas as well as know when to paddle safely on or off. John himself stood on the shore to have them attended past times a guard of 20 or 30 men nether brilliant arms, who conducted him to his house. This was a pretty large edifice raised from the materials of the fort. It ascended with a double stone staircase without, of 12 steps. On that flooring are 3 practiced rooms, 1 his armoury, some other his chamber, with a standing bed inwards it, as well as the 3rd for amusement of guests, furnished with tables, chairs, etc.
450 The way to it lay through 2 courtyards, the outer had houses for officers as well as servants belonging to him. The inner (a spacious square) had a ground room as well as practiced armoury past times the entrance , with piazzas to accommodate his guard, as well as copy inwards some mensurate the grandeur of the Prussian governors with whom John had been a retainer for some years. From them he had taken inwards his punctilio, as well as knew how to spot on a important countenance. He was a potent made man, virtually fifty, of a sullen look, as well as commanded the observe of beingness bare headed from all the Negroes virtually him that were with caps.
565 plate LX H5N1 map of the Gold Coast, M D'Anville 1729
King of Asiante (very powerful) -> ground of Akanni (formerly rattling powerful as well as rich inwards aureate -> Abrambo/Kabesterra, Fetu kingdom -> St. George de Mina H. Conraedsburgh H. Ekki tekki or piffling Kommendo C.H.
Cape Coast shown equally Oegwa
Gt. Kommendo shown inland due north of Elmina.
589 Plate 61 Prospect of the coast from El Mina to Mourri from Barbot as well as Smith.
6 ships off Elmina. 4 to a greater extent than off Fort Royal at Manfrow (between Cape Coast as well as Mouri) Ships take hold 3 tall masts with long sparse flags flight at their heads. Inclined mast at each end. Large national flag higher upwards the deck at the stern. Picture of the Sun inscribed on the stern. Two rows of foursquare windows with 2 horizontal as well as 2 vertical bars. A. Negro canoas carrying slaves aboard at Manfrow. Three slaves inwards front, iv paddlers at rear, 1 steering. All stripped to the waist.
Prospect of St. Georges Castle at El Mina from Barbot as well as Dapper. View from the east, offshore. Castle has high walls, little beach below. Huge flag (three horizontal stripes) flight from post on top of steeple. Crossed on ridges of all the roofs. Village seen behind (to westward of castle) Rectangular unmarried storey buildings with ridged roofs. Bridge on many piles wit delineate span inwards Dutch style. Tall mast seen upstream inwards the the lagoon. Only 1 edifice North of the span except for Conraedsburg on St. Jago.
636 Gold trinkets worn equally spells. Gold horn. Gold chapeau band. Necklace. Arm rings. Large wooden stools. Scales for gold. Krakra gold, pea weight, Fe pin, money. Piece of aureate (like coral) Hair combs, 3 or 4 teeth.
669 Gold Coast music from Barbot. Snappers or castagnets. Blowing horns or trumpets. Musical tongs two pronged shape with striking rod. Brass kettle manus bells. Brass Bafon? Flutes. Drum. Royal drum. Small drum. Sort of Cittern 4 stringed instrument, board with calabash? behind.
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
- Bech, Niels & Hyland, H5N1 D C. Elmina a Conservation Study UST Occasional written report 17 1978 (notes)
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
Fort on St. Jago Hill called Coenraadsburg
Elmina town situated on narrow peninsula betwixt Benya lagoon as well as the sea until 1873 when it was razed to the ground.
In 18th century the expanse around St. Jago colina was covered past times the castle's vegetable as well as fruit gardens serving also equally a spot of relaxation
By the halt of the 18th century plantations, marketplace spot gardens, pavilions, little buildings. Well defined route layout (w of lagoon)
Map of 1799. Bridge existed. Map past times J. Berseman - General State Archives The Hague.
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
- DeCorse, Christopher R. AN ARCHAEOLOGY OF ELMINA: Africans as well as Europeans on the Gold Coast, 1400-1900
- Examines a complex African settlement on the coast of present-day Republic of Ghana from the fifteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Explores developments at that spot inwards the low-cal of European expansion as well as illustrates remarkable cultural continuity inwards the midst of technological change. BNS, 73 b/w illus, fourteen maps, 5 tables, 288pp, USA . SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT, 1560989718 2001 HB GBP34.50
- Everts, Natalie, Cherchez la femme : gender-related issues inwards eighteenth-century Elmina, Itinerario: (1996), vol. 20, no. 1, p. 45-57.
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history/itin/itin.htm
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
- Feinberg, H.M. Elmina, Ghana : a history of its evolution as well as human relationship with the Dutch inwards the eighteenth century Boston : Boston University, 1969. - XX, 260 p. ; Thesis Boston University, 1969.
- Summary : Studies Elmina's political development, growth as well as daily life. The human relationship of Elmina with the Dutch is analyzed from the standpoint of the meeting of 2 cultures to determine the grade of impingement of the Dutch on the Elminan way of life as well as the legacy of this civilisation contact.
- Feinberg, H.M., An incident inwards Elmina-Dutch relations, the Gold Coast (Ghana), 1739-1740 African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 359-372..
- Summary : The human relationship betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch is to a greater extent than often than non considered to take hold been peaceful as well as mutually cooperative. In 1739 however, a serious conflict arose betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch. On May 26 or 27, 1739, Director General de Bordes forbade Elminan canoes to leave of absence the Benya River to fish inwards the sea. He also ordered his subordinates to seize whatever nutrient coming to Elmina by sea as well as on the forenoon of the 27th a number of boats loaded with corn were seized past times West Republic of Republic of India Company slaves. The Elminans sought an explanation from de Bordes but received no satisfaction. They were ordered to leave of absence the castle; the castle gates were closed, as well as inwards a small spell fighting commenced. This conflict is discussed according to the next outline: 1. a listing of events from May 27, 1739 to virtually March 21, 1740, 2. the points of view on causes; 3. the costs to the Dutch; 4. the effect of the conflict on the Elminans. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Palaver on the Gold Coast : Elmina-Dutch cooperation during the eighteenth century African Perspectives: (1979), no. 2, p. 11-20.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Elmina Town inwards the eighteenth century - Los Angeles : African studies association, 1984. ASA, Los Angeles, 25-28 October, 1984.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Hutton, William, H5N1 voyage to Africa, London, 1821
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
Great credit is due to the Dutch for the improvements which they take hold carried on here. Besides a harbour for little vessels, at that spot are piers, wharfs, as well as cranes, for landing goods. The ground also is also ameliorate cultivated than at whatever other portion of the coast; nearly 2 miles at the dorsum of' the town, are good set out inwards beds of ground-nuts as well as Mr. Neiser has made a fine plantation with 35,000 cotton wool trees, virtually 2 miles from the castle, as well as cutting a route to it, at to the lowest degree xxx feet broad, at his ain expence. I rode into the ground with this gentleman, when I was finally at Elmina, as well as was astonished at the improvements he had made. He so informed me that he had lxxx men employed inwards making a java plantation; as well as it is to live hoped many others inwards Africa volition follow Mr. Neiser's example, which is the most effectual way to cultivate the country, as well as civilize the natives. The gardens at Elmina, containing oranges, pineapples, sour soups, as well as other tropical fruits, likewise vegetables of all descriptions, do keen credit to the Dutch as well as the English linguistic communication at our head-quarters are ofttimes obliged to them for a provide of these articles. Mr. Neiser's hospitality deserves to live specially mentioned.
The town of Elmina is the only 1 on the coast which is built with stone, as well as also the only 1 that is paved. There is 1 broad street before the fort, but the town is badly set out, the houses beingness all built unopen together, without to a greater extent than than sufficient infinite to walk betwixt them.
The number of inhabitants may amount to viii thousand; and, similar most of the natives residing on the coast, they fish with the cast-net regularly every morning, excepting on their fetish days.
Although Elmina belongs to Warsaw, the manlike individual monarch does non forbid the inhabitants from exercising municipal authority. These people were guilty of an human activity some years ago, which tin never live forgotten. The governor, Hoogenboom, having given them some get of offence, they beset him 1 even at the billiard-table as well as murdered him inwards the most inhuman manner. Elmina is the easternmost maritime town inwards the kingdom of Warsaw, as well as Chama the most western. I take hold already stated that this ground is tributary to Ashantee, as well as take hold described the diverse towns on the coast which I take hold been at; but never having been inwards the interior of this kingdom, I volition non sweat a description of it.
The Warsaws carry on a considerable merchandise with Europeans, inwards aureate as well as ivory as well as are to a greater extent than remarkable for honesty than their neighbours the Fantees.
If they take hold whatever palaver (dispute), the Pynins as well as Cabboceers (Pynins as well as Cabboceers signify the magistrates or caput men of the town, the chiefs) get together to hear the parties, which sometimes occupies them a whole day, equally they are extremely clever inwards argument, as well as volition ofttimes utter for hours together. When the Pynins cannot create upwards one's hear to the satisfaction of the parties inwards town, they get together inwards the fort as well as submit the instance to the determination of the governor .
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
- Lawrence, A. W. Trade Castles as well as Forts of West Africa, Jonathan Cape, London, 1963 (quotations as well as notes) See also Lawrence, A. W. Fortified Trade Posts: The English linguistic communication inwards West Africa 1645-1822, Jonathan Cape, London, 1968 (recast inwards a shortened shape as well as retitled) Copyright stuff is used hither with the permission of the owners, the Trustees of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Trust.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
32 Dutch maintained a cotton wool plantation close Axim as well as Shama 1765-83
49 Senior as well as junior officers, gratis artisans, soldiers, slaves for indoor as well as outdoor work. Paid (sometimes live-in) gratis Africans or mulattoes. If necessary Governor mightiness fifty-fifty larn supplies from a unusual fort inwards the neighbourhood. In 1778 Cape Coast borrowed cartridge newspaper from Elmina. In 1780 Elmina sold 55 fathoms of novel 5" cable, weight 274 lbs. at 1 oz of aureate per 100 lbs. for a schooner of the English linguistic communication company.
Loneliness: mutual business organisation normally arranged past times letter.
Only Members of Council or Company's seamen made regular journeys. Officers jumped at the take chances of going visiting, several hours past times canoe or inwards a hammock carried past times 1 or 2 couples of men.
Different companies entertained 1 another, relations superficially amicable, business organisation rivalry, spies, plots.
1779. 'The indefatigable pains as well as perseverance, peculiar to the Dutch, with which they past times degrees endeavour inwards futurity to convey virtually their dear as well as political but diabolical conception to forcefulness the English linguistic communication town of Komenda into uniting with their ain protectorate across the river.
Tedium, strains, isolation, conditions of physical as well as mental distress, grumbling, bad temper. Open dissensions as well as quarreling at the Governor's table. Maudlin as well as assertive recollections of elderly governor. Senior officers mightiness adjust for Africans to drum as well as trip the low-cal fantastic inwards the garden for their entertainment. Main characteristic of conviviality was drinking. Dutch favoured neat brandy or rum. English mixed their brandy with lime juice, carbohydrate as well as water. Drank to excess.
English allowed men to pass the nighttime inwards the town as well as to convey women into the fort. Dutch inflicted heavy penalties for both offences. Dutch allowed men exterior forts only inwards daylight. Gates unbolted at twenty-four hours break, slaves living inwards huts exterior reported for duty. Africans from elsewhere mightiness come upwards inwards to purchase as well as sell. Lengthy process, values reckoned inwards weight of gold. Slaves brought firewood - large amounts required. Arrival of ships interrupted everyone's routine. When the fort's sentinel sighted approaching sails, the flag was hoisted as well as preparations made to have the vessel. Canon made ready (is it a pirate?) Friendly man-o-war or ship with VIP entitled to a salute of so many guns. Cargo brought ashore past times canoes or little boats belonging to the fort. Canoemen organized past times a bumboy, gratis African employed past times the fort. Transport of goods from the beach to storerooms done past times slaves, on their heads. Clerical staff hard worked, inventory of incomings, calculating prices. Ship's original inwards a hurry - scared of illness affecting his crew. Medical precautions. Men non to drinkable palmwine. Unsuitable living quarters, pitiable diet, habitual drunkenness, savage punishments. Malaria, yellowish fever, waterborne diseases. Dutch began with the intention of keeping chaplain's post filled - provided a little library of devotional books (1645). Soon resorted to unordained preachers. Dutch company's board inwards Amsterdam ever prohibited concubinage with local women; practice flourished none the less, though inwards secret. Dutch governor's tabular array had (1722) x dishes of victuals, diverseness of beer as well as wine, attendance of 6 negro servants, each a aureate chain circular his neck. Wheat imported, issued out against pay inwards the shape of biscuit. Stocks ran out. Guinea corn or maize used instead. Fresh meat seldom obtained fifty-fifty past times officers, vegetables grown for commander's table. Unprivileged Europeans relied on salted or smoked meat, flour, cheese, butter. Ignored the abundance of fresh fish. Every underground cistern was walled, floored as well as vaulted inwards brick. Rectangular box-like brick conducted H2O from roofs to channels which ran beneath the paving of the courtyard.
122 Re Elmina. Rationalization past times the Dutch 1637-82. Layout inwards 1637 was inwards full general equally today. Buildings contained doorways as well as windows lined with Dutch brick on upper floors. Dutch rarely used the give-and-take bastion. Majority of Dutch piece of work undertaken for improvement - to obtain weatherproof store rooms (ground floor); to increment living accommodation (above). Upper storeys are floored with wood as well as covered with apartment or gabled roofs according to the width of span.
123 In places the Dutch added 2 or to a greater extent than storeys. By 1774 the reconstruction had been virtually completed. Enormous volume of newspaper accumulated from 1675-1791 past times 2nd Dutch fellowship as well as equally yet uncalendered.
124 Based on written report past times Michael Hemmersham, Nuremberg goldsmith, 1639 -1645 at Elmina. When y'all come upwards within the castle at that spot is a large opened upwards infinite on which is a church building that nowadays is used equally a buying as well as trading house. East bastion . . . there a bell on the walls is pulled past times the soldiers as well as struck equally often equally the hours are struck alongside us on our towers. If you climb upwards some steps at that spot y'all come upwards to a tower (north circular tower) inwards which lived the Treasurer as well as higher upwards him the Crew Master (Commodore) who is inwards command of the ships. If y'all go upwards some other stair, on your left is a gallery within the castle to the outward (an enclosed passage behind the outer wall of the rectangular block) But on your correct is a well-built breastwork, from which y'all go downward 3 or iv steps as well as on your correct manus come upwards to the battery on which prevarication nine cannon cast inwards brass. This is called the Governor's battery since his spot is unopen past times (in the rectangular block) through which y'all tin go as well as come upwards downward in 1 trial again to the courtyard. . .
In my fourth dimension a passage was built around the N Tower where the Treasurer has his spot as well as a bell was brought from Sao Tome as well as hung at that spot on the walls so equally to strike the hours both past times twenty-four hours as well as past times night. Riverine yard called the truthful cat yard, where many civet cats are kept. The perfume manufacture - an of import 1 inwards those times of piffling washing - relied greatly on the odorous secretions of civets, which, inwards captivity could live deprived of their scent twice weekly. Dutch handgrip the castle garrisoned with people of High German as well as depression countries race. Whatever a man's organized religious belief mightiness be, nosotros held our Sundays with prayer, reading as well as singing inwards the Governor's quarters inwards the keen hall, which was hung with pikes, muskets as well as similar weapons.
129 1645 Governor had a kitchen built exterior the church building betwixt the pillars, 11' long past times 5'6" wide. Castle armed with 21 large brass guns including 1 48-pounder mortar, 6 - 24 pounders 1 - fourteen pounder canon, 5 - 12 pounders, 3000 canon balls of iron, 153 of stone, 53 - 12 lb 130 - 8 lb mortar bombs 53 spare muskets, 20 anchors, 200 - 1000 lb (for sale), canvas for sails, salted or dried food, 41 barrels of meat = 8 tons, 500 lbs of common salt fish, 85 Europeans, 184 slaves (ate African food) Garrison of 69 officers as well as men, Governor, 4 Europeans concerned solely with trade, nine inwards accuse of handicrafts, a lay preacher (or comforter) who at this fourth dimension conducted religious services on Th as well as Sunday, acted equally a medical dispenser inwards the absence of a chaplain as well as doctor.
From fourth dimension to fourth dimension a chaplain had been appointed but invariably resigned as well as went dorsum to Holland. Small collection of pious books, 72 copies of the Psalms. Medical stores: 147 varieties of ointments, plasters, drugs, etc.
No 1 was allowed out inwards the evenings as well as so the occupants of the castle mightiness take hold escaped malaria as well as yellowish fever, because the air current off the sea keeps mosquitoes away. . . Fort St. Iago enjoys no such immunity. System of guarding it past times roster exposed the entire garrison to infection.
On slopes around the fort as well as inwards valley beyond grew fruit, salads as well as greenish vegetables - preventatives of scurvy. Soldiers' lodgings backed against the drape wall of the keen courtyard: admitted air on 1 side only as well as pelting ofttimes came through the roof. Roofs to a greater extent than often than non tiled. Wood of roofs as well as floors constantly needed replacement. Timber was cutting at Shama or Axim as well as shipped along the coast on the ketches built at that spot past times the Dutch, sawn upwards past times castle slaves. Company vaulted all storage infinite since tiled roofs leaked. Bricks from The Netherlands came out equally ballast, thin, cream to greyish yellow.
132 1682 Castle is built square, with rattling high walls of a dark chocolate-brown stone. Garrison 100 white men as well as perhaps equally many dark soldiers, all inwards the Company's pay. Drawbridge is defended past times a redoubt (the W bastion) with 8 Fe guns as well as a ditch inwards the stone 20ft. deep as well as 18ft broad with an Fe portcullis as well as 4 brass pattereroes within the gate as well as a large guardroom next to it. On the ground side the castle has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O for the utilization of garrison as well as ships.
Besides 3 rattling fine cisterns within the place, each holding several hundred tuns to salve the rain, so that garrison is inwards no keen danger of wanting water. . . There is room inwards the castle for a garrison of 200 men as well as several officers. The general's (governor's) lodgings are higher upwards inwards the castle, the ascent to which is upwards a large white as well as dark stone staircase, defended at the top past times 2 brass guns as well as 4 pattereroes of the same metal. . . as well as a guard room, pretty large, next to which is a keen hall total of little arms of several sorts, equally an arsenal, through which as well as past times a by-passage y'all larn into a fine long gallery, all wainscoted, at each halt of which at that spot are large drinking glass windows, as well as through it is the way to the general's lodgings, containing several practiced chambers as well as offices along the ramparts.
133 The compting houses particularly, are large, finely fitted for the manufacturing flora accomtants bookkeepers as well as servants, inwards all threescore persons.
142 Governor's kitchen, close W corner of the 2nd floor, contains a fireplace as well as a chimney; all the officers ate at the governor's table, hence the enormous size.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
- Lever, J.T., Mulatto influence on the Gold Coast inwards the early on nineteenth century : Jan Nieser of Elmina / . In: African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 253-261.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Van Dantzig, Albert, Castles as well as Forts of Republic of Ghana equally a Collective Historical Monument, inwards Maggie Dodds (ed.), History of Ghana, American Women's Association, Accra, 1974.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
Now forts as well as castles of course of instruction nosotros observe inwards many parts of the world. Most of the forts as well as castles nosotros know exterior Republic of Ghana are either armed forces forts or left over from the Middle Ages, the Feudal era, as well as inwards that instance they are often grown out into palaces. An representative of the extreme shape of palaces growing out of forts is the Versailles Palace close Paris. But the forts as well as castles exterior Europe took mostly the character, specially if they were built past times Europeans, of outposts or strongholds similar y'all take hold inwards the United States of America - similar Fort Worth, Fort Duquesne; hither inwards Africa too, such equally Fort Lamy, an representative of armed forces outpost. What nosotros take hold inwards Republic of Ghana is rather unique, this whole serial of merchandise forts. The genuinely interesting thing of all the forts as well as castles of Republic of Ghana is non so much the private buildings which genuinely are, let's confront it, less impressive than Versailles or the chateaux along the Loire inwards France, but rather the forts as well as castles equally a collective historical monument. Because what is genuinely most surprising as well as interesting is that over less than 300 miles of coastline, inwards a relatively small menses of virtually 3 centuries, non less than threescore fortified merchandise posts of diverse kinds were built. (The original text has a unproblematic map of the coast showing the next forts as well as castles listed from E to west:
Keta (Fort Prindesten),
Ada (Fort Kongesten),
Ningo (Fort Fredensborg),
Prampram (Fort Vernon),
Kpone,
Tema,
Teshie (Fort Augustaborg),
Accra (Christiansborg/Osu Castle,
Fort Crevecoeur/Ussher Fort, James Fort),
Senya Bereku (Fort de Goede Hoop/Good Hope),
Winneba,
Apam (Fort Leydsaamheyd),
Tantumquery,
Amoku,
Kormantin (Fort Amsterdam),
Anomabu (Fort William),
Mori (Fort Nassau),
Cape Coast (Cape Coast Castle),
Elmina (St. George d'Elmina, Fort Conraadsburg),
Komenda (Fort Vrendenbourgh),
British Komenda,
Shama (St. Sebastian),
English Secondi,
Dutch Secondi (Fort Orange),
Takoradi (Fort Witsen),
Butri (Fort Batenstein),
Dixcove, kwidi (Fort Dorethea),
Fort Duma, Takrama (Fort Louise),
Princes Town (Gross Frederichsburg/Fort Hollandia),
Fort Ruychaver, Axim (Fort St. Anthony),
Ankobra (Elise Carthago),
Beyin.
We could inwards a way regard the whole set of forts as well as castles as well as merchandise lodges inwards Republic of Ghana equally a sort of huge shopping street - shopping street of a few government-sponsored trading companies which did non sell for money so much equally for merchandise goods from Africa - a sort of barter merchandise therefore. Although nosotros should non forget that nosotros did take hold hither on the coast a currency inwards the shape of aureate dust.
The diverse establishments of the European companies, the chartered companies, vary greatly inwards importance, ranging from the large castles - inwards fact at that spot are only 3 castles inwards Ghana; Elmina, which was the headquarters of the Portuguese, after the Dutch; Cape Coast Castle, built past times the British; Christiansborg Castle hither inwards Accra, built past times the Danes. Those large castles had several hundred large guns, large garrisons, commercial officials as well as authorities officials as well as at a. after stage, the existent craftsmen. There was a considerable number of castle slaves also - often craftsmen themselves. In many respects these large castles tin live seen equally mini-cities genuinely but depression inwards the scale nosotros take hold the ordinary forts. And fifty-fifty the Prussian headquarters at Gross Frederichsburg, at Princes Town, was never called anything other than a fort. Of course of instruction it was much smaller than the other 3 castles. These forts often had upwards to virtually l guns, a commercial as well as armed forces commander united inwards 1 person, with a few soldiers as well as few officials for commerce. Then finally at that spot was a large number of so-called lodges which were mostly manned only past times civil assistants non past times existent fighters. Often they were only occupied when ships came to anchor for trade as well as they mostly had only rudimentary forms of defense forcefulness with 1 bastion, 2 or 3 guns, or the rather peculiar instance of the Dutch lodge at Mount Congh, at nowadays called Queen Ann's Point, close Cape Coast, virtually which it was reported at the halt of the 17th century: �We take hold hither 1 homo with an axe.�
Why did the forts as well as castles fountain upwards hither inwards Republic of Ghana inwards such keen density, 1 may ask. There are several reasons for this as well as 1 of the to a greater extent than of import is perhaps but of geography. Both E as well as westward of Republic of Ghana - the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire as well as into Togo, Dahomey as well as Nigeria expanse - nosotros take hold only depression sandy coasts backed past times a scheme of lagoons with to a greater extent than often than non rather unsafe surf; no natural harbours; whereas only inwards this expanse from the Volta to roughly Cape Three Points nosotros take hold this quite different type of coast with many natural harbours - piffling bays as well as coves with promontories rattling useful for edifice forts which were aiming at defending the sea-roads inwards forepart of a sure as shooting expanse which was developed equally a trading area. Then some other payoff of the Gold Coast was that aureate was found as well as mined at fairly unopen distance from the coast, which nosotros don't observe either E or west. Furthermore, inwards the menses inwards which the forts were built - betwixt the 15th as well as 18th centuries - Europe had an insatiable demand for gold. Finally, perhaps 1 of the most of import reasons that so many forts were built, is that so many companies could settle hither yet none of these European nations colonized the Gold Coast equally they did other parts of the world. This tin partially live explained past times the fact that African society hither was but too good organized already before the arrival of the Europeans to allow but the taking into possession, equally happened for instance inwards many parts of America. In fact the African chiefs, coastal chiefs, as well as the traders from the interior to the coast, were rattling quick to recognize the advantages of this competition betwixt the diverse European companies.
So Republic of Ghana has indeed a fairly unique history if y'all facial expression at the full general colonial history of the world, because this is 1 of the rarer areas where for 300 years European as well as non-Europeans had been trading basically on a pes of equality. And fifty-fifty afterwards, inwards the 19th century, inwards the keen era of imperialism, at that spot was genuinely no room inwards Republic of Ghana for the type of colonial exploitation that nosotros observe inwards such areas equally the Congo. The famous Fante Bond of 1844 is indeed 1 of the earliest types inwards Africa of a modern independence movement. These forts as well as castles did inwards fact give a feel of security to both Europeans as well as Africans. To the African they gave the security that the Europeans were non probable to �break out� from their forts. But on the other hand, past times treaty also, Europeans were compelled to come upwards to the defense forcefulness of the coastal states inwards which they established these forts inwards instance these states were attacked from the interior. I must of course of instruction telephone telephone your attending to the fact that the Europeans did non ever come upwards to their aid, specially hither inwards Accra at the fourth dimension of Akwamu invasions, Akim invasions, Asante invasions, against which Europeans, inwards spite of all these beautiful treaties didn't do anything. Perhaps the forts as well as castles also, to a considerable extent satisfied the �Territorial Imperative�, to utter with the words of Ardrey of the Europeans themselves. They did experience a sure as shooting sort of security within those walls of forts as well as castles which were genuinely built on territory they only rented from the local chiefs. Finally, the local chiefs also brought of their ain gratis volition many of their so-called palavers to the castles as well as forts, known inwards Fante equally Aban. The Aban became the basis of after politics inwards Republic of Ghana as well as at that spot is still, inwards Fante the give-and-take Aban, used to delineate �government.� Such informal jurisdiction developed specially inwards the early on stages inwards Elmina; after inwards as well as around Axim; as well as of course of instruction at that spot is the famous instance of the 1830s of Governor Maclean who did the same thing around Cape Coast as well as so into the interior.
So to summarize my introduction I think it is a flake shortsighted to say virtually the forts as well as castles - �Well it may live a tourist attraction of Republic of Ghana but let's non stress it too much because they are just European leftovers of colonial days.� The forts as well as castles tin with sufficient reason, to some extent, live regarded non only equally monuments to the slave merchandise because they were used for slave trade, but also to a long history, a long tradition of Ghanaian independence. Surprisingly as well as paradoxically equally it may sound, they could live regarded to some extent fifty-fifty equally monuments of liberty - monuments at least, of equality. (If y'all disagree delight allow me know inwards the query hour!)
Something virtually the mutual characteristics nosotros observe inwards the diverse forts as well as castles which of course of instruction individually are quite different yet nosotros tin recognize some basic features. Generally the basic pattern is a foursquare surrounded past times drape walls which halt inwards pointed bastions. Within this foursquare of drape walls as well as bastions are built 1 or sometimes to a greater extent than than one, to a greater extent than often than non 2 storied buildings; inwards the bigger forts sometimes 3 stories or a tower. Also inwards virtually all the forts nosotros find, below the key square, the cisterns, or inwards smaller courts, 1 cistern. The ground flooring of the forts as well as castles is to a greater extent than often than non used for storerooms - at that spot is no ventilation on the outside, only on the within - or for rooms for the garrison for the lower officials. The top flooring is for residence for high officials, for officers, as well as for the �palaver halls� which nosotros observe inwards most forts as well as castles. The bastions are sometimes solid, similar the drape wall, but also often nosotros observe hollow bastions which were used for instance equally pulverization magazines, or inwards the days of the slave merchandise - as well as I demand non tell y'all that slave merchandise was developed rather belatedly hither compared to other parts of Africa - these hollow bastions were often used for slave prisons or slave holds.
Now most of the forts were greatly expanded, specially inwards the 18th century. At a after phase they developed so-called spurs. These were outer walls forming a sort of triangle inwards forepart of the main gate. Sometimes they became virtually a portion of the fort equally they did at Cape Coast or Dixcove. Other times they were but sparse walls surrounding service areas which inwards instance of state of war were also used to provide shelter for the towns-people against invading enemies. Sometimes these spurs became rattling big, bigger than the fort itself, equally nosotros take hold for instance inwards Apam as well as inwards little forts where merchandise did non develop rattling good as well as where the Europeans decided to utilization these forts to a greater extent than equally service forts rather than merchandise forts. So nosotros observe a large carpentry shop, a truthful cat yard, equally nosotros take hold at Elmina as well as other Dutch forts, yards where civet cats were reared who produced a sort of liquid which was rattling of import for the perfume industry. The cisterns played a rattling of import role non only for the provide of drinking H2O to the inhabitants of the fort but specially for provide of drinking H2O to passing ships, because these forts were non only merchandise forts but were also provide forts. They were stations midway inwards the long voyage that the ships made. Ships were often serviced close the ports themselves where at that spot was a sort of natural harbour. And castle gardens supplied fresh vegetables as well as fruits for the crews of the ships. Again inwards the days of slave merchandise large quantities of millet as well as corn, equally good equally palm oil, were also bought locally.
Then I shall assay to live equally brief equally possible on this most complicated land of study - �a brief history� of the forts as well as castles, where I may refer to books as well as booklets on the subject. Of course of instruction the first off fort was Elmina, built inwards 1482 past times the Portuguese. The Portuguese as well as Castilian had a tradition of fighting Islam since, inwards fact, the eighth Century A.D. By the middle of the 15th century the success of the Portuguese as well as the Castilian against Islam inwards the Iberian Peninsula was quite great. By the middle of the 15th century an of import trial took spot when, inwards the finally Christian outpost inwards the east, the metropolis of Constantinople was taken past times the Turks. It is genuinely from that appointment that nosotros regard specially the Portuguese getting keen on discovering a sea route to the Indies around the coast of Africa - the piece of work of Prince Henry the Navigator.
So inwards 1471 the first off Europeans arrived hither on the Republic of Guinea Coast, an event, which inwards fact, 2 years agone was celebrated with a special historical conference. Hardly x years later, 1481, Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated with the local main at Elmina for the construction of a fort - San Jorge d'Elmina. The hollo of the main with whom Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated is Caraman�a. This Caraman�a is often said to take hold been 1 of the first off chiefs of Elmina, past times hollo of Kwamena Ansah. Very nice, but modern historians to a greater extent than or less concur that past times 1482 at that spot were non yet whatever Fante on this coast. So how come upwards that inwards 1482 the �chief of Elmina� had a Fante name? Somehow it doesn't fit! Now inwards a 17th century booklet written for Louis XIV to back upwards some claims he thought to take hold on the Gold Coast, nosotros observe the description of these earliest contracts of d'Azambuja with non only Caraman�a but also �another Mansa�. This is quite interesting because mansa is also a sort of Mande or Arab championship for traders. So developed this to a greater extent than modern thought that genuinely the spelling of Caraman�a inwards Portuguese was perhaps a flake misleading, that it was genuinely Kara Mansa - a mansa named Kara - who negotiated with Diogo d'Azambuja. This would create the early on history of Elmina much clearer as well as much to a greater extent than understandable because at that spot is also this confusion virtually the root of the give-and-take �Elmina�. El is a particle, but inwards Spanish, non inwards Portuguese, as well as the Castilian had never had anything to do here. Elmina people would say, �the mine�. But that would live H5N1 Mina. In Arabic, on the other hand, nosotros take hold Mina pregnant �the port� as well as that does create sense. When the Portuguese arrived hither they found 1 mansa called Kara as well as when they asked him �what is the hollo of this place?� he replied, �the port - El Mina�. And that is why the Portuguese named the spot Elmina as well as non H5N1 Mina. Moreover at that spot were aureate mines but at a considerable distance from Elmina, non at Elmina itself. It also explains perhaps why the Portuguese went out straightaway to build such a large castle. Of course of instruction the original castle was non equally large equally the nowadays 1 but fifty-fifty the original one, which nosotros observe inwards that portion which is around the old courtyard - the little courtyard - was of considerable size. The architects when they facial expression at it take hold often been struck past times the fact that it looks so much similar a crusaders' castle - �krak�- inwards the Middle East. And it is rattling good possible that the Portuguese, arriving hither for the first off time, coming together Muslim traders, thought that inwards fact the keen Islamic Empire of northern Africa extended equally far equally this portion of the coast. They hence decided to build a crusaders' castle to constitute themselves firmly as well as to christianize the people around them. For which purpose indeed they set out straightaway.
Only after on they discovered they had built rather too large a castle for the unproblematic purpose of trade. Indeed the next 2 forts they built at Axim as well as at Shama, at natural outlets of the aureate merchandise of the Ankobra River as well as the Pra River, were much to a greater extent than modest inwards size. Also inwards 1482 it was only 30 years after the autumn of Constantinople inwards 1453 as well as it is known that past times that fourth dimension the western European Christians were deeply impressed past times the heavy cannon the Turks had used to breach the walls of Constantinople. Again nosotros recognize something of this at Elmina Castle where silent nosotros have, on the ground side, the northwest bastion which is indeed quite formidable. The Portuguese in all probability did facial expression at whatever fourth dimension after the construction of the fort that the Turks would march upwards with their keen field-cannon.
During the 16th century nosotros observe the first off signs of competition coming from the French as well as English linguistic communication traders who tried to penetrate inwards this official monopoly expanse of the Portuguese as well as at that fourth dimension it became necessary for the Portuguese to build defences to the seaward rather than to the landward. It appeared presently that the feared Muslims would non march upwards to drive them out as well as equally a affair of fact relationships with the Africans became quite friendly. Elmina itself even, shortly after the establishment of the castle, got Portuguese metropolis rights. But the greatest occupation presently seemed to live the competition on the sea - how to hold away these competitors from other parts of Europe. And so nosotros regard Elmina castle extending toward the sea with a whole novel courtyard as well as with heavy guns roofing the Elmina Roads. We observe the same thing inwards Axim now, a bastion pointing toward the sea, as well as inwards Shama. The competition of the English linguistic communication as well as the French was non equally unsafe equally that of the Dutch inwards the after 16th century because the Dutch decided to revolt against their overlords Philip II of Spain, as well as that when the Dutch were the main suppliers of merchandise goods to the Portuguese. They traditionally were redistributors of trade-goods coming from Asia as well as Africa to Lisbon from where they redistributed them all over the ease of Europe. But they sold at the same fourth dimension to the Portuguese traders inwards monastic tell to sell in 1 trial again overseas their manufactured products such equally cloth, which played a rattling of import role inwards the overseas trade. All that sort of broke upwards inwards a few years, at the halt of the 16th century - the Portuguese monopoly on the Gold Coast. Not only did the Dutch revolt against their overlord, the manlike individual monarch of Spain, inwards 1580 Kingdom of Spain as well as Portugal were also united nether 1 crown with the outcome that Portugal also became officially the enemy of the Dutch.
After 1580 nosotros regard Dutch transportation on the Gold Coast increment enormously. The Dutch were able to provide goods at a lower cost than the Portuguese as well as past times 1612 finally 1 of the local chiefs, the 1 of Asebu; broke the spell past times openly inviting the Dutch, sending inwards fact 2 ambassadors to The Netherlands to enquire the Dutch to build a fort at Mori. This fort unfortunately has nearly completely disappeared although nosotros tin silent regard some ruins of which the most striking characteristic perhaps is the keen quantity of Dutch bricks nosotros observe inwards the walls. Because traditionally the Dutch built inwards bricks, as well as moreover this was the first off fourth dimension they had built exterior of The Netherlands inwards fact they thought it safer to convey the edifice stuff from The Netherlands rather than to rely on the local people who equally yet were non fully dependable to the Dutch - equally officially they had treaties with the Portuguese. Soon they began to extend their influence. In 1624, shortly after the establishment of the Dutch West Indian Company they made a treaty with a main of a so newly arrived grouping of Fantes - a treaty which did non rattling much impress, apparently, this chief, Ambro-Braffo, of the Borbor-Fante; inwards 1631 they made a similar treaty with the English linguistic communication who had established themselves at Kormantin. With the growing Dutch as well as also the English linguistic communication competition the Portuguese were finding it rattling hard to larn their aureate as well as made some attempts to mine aureate themselves inwards a colina close Komenda - Abrobi Hill - an sweat which ended inwards total disaster. The mine collapsed as well as shortly afterwards they tried in 1 trial again inwards the interior, inwards the Ankobra Valley at the confluence of the Duma as well as Ankobra Rivers where in 1 trial again it is said they were surprised past times an earthquake which I believe is an erroneous interpretation because from some enquiry I conducted, perhaps they did observe aureate but also some silvery or electrum, which was a sign inwards traditional Akan mining that the spirits were against them as well as that is in all probability the ground why they all of a abrupt interrupted the ease of their activities. In 1637 the Dutch made, from Brazil, their concluding keen assault, after a few failures of before days, on the Portuguese main castle at Elmina, putting their guns on Saint Iago Hill which they after fortified with Coenraadsburg Fort. Very shortly afterwards, inwards 1642, the Portuguese were completely expelled from the whole Gold Coast. However the Dutch had never had equally much a monopoly equally the Portuguese had had because already nosotros take hold seen the English linguistic communication had established themselves at Kormantin as well as rattling presently the Dutch found the occupation of competition from other nations often inwards the shape of so-called �interloper companies� the Dutch sailors who united unusual flags as well as tried to compete inwards that way with those who were involved inwards the official charter fellowship -the West Republic of Republic of India Company.
In the years betwixt 1648-1659 nosotros regard specially the activities of the notorious renegade official of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company, a Pole past times nativity called Caerlof. Caerlof who first off nether Swedish flag established a large number of merchandise lodges as well as forts, next door equally y'all tin say, to the existing Dutch forts, so returned to Europe, made utilization of the fact the King of Sweden got himself involved inwards a state of war with the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as returned to the Gold Coast a 2nd fourth dimension nether Danish flag as well as promptly �conquered� his ain establishments! In the halt the Dutch inherited dorsum from the Danes most of these merchandise posts. One of the major results of this episode was the proliferation of novel forts. Caerlof built a foundation for Cape Coast Castle - Carolusburg - originally named after Charles X, so King of Sweden; also a fort at Takoradi, Butri, Anomabu as well as at Osu, the foundation of modern Christiansborg Castle. The episode of Caerlof also led to that extraordinary episode of the Dutch Fort Ruychaver (excuse me for pronunciation) when the Dutch built rattling far inland, inwards fact virtually 40 miles from the coast, a little fort on the correct banking concern of the Ankobra inwards the middle of the richest aureate producing expanse known then, close modern Prestea, silent an of import mining town, where they did for sometime a profitable trade. But presently it appeared the merchandise post was much too isolated. The commander of the fort got into a palaver with some of the chiefs as well as inwards the halt saw no other solution, since he could non communicate chop-chop with the coast, than to blow his attackers, together with himself, up! Which was the untimely halt of Fort Ruychaver!
Again after the episode of Caerlof quietness did non finally for a long time; presently the Dutch had to confront some other competition That was when the English linguistic communication decided to set upwards store inwards a bigger way after the Restoration when the novel King of England, Charles II, with his friends, decided to dabble a flake inwards overseas expansion. The early on English linguistic communication companies had non been rattling successful but at nowadays they had total financial back upwards as well as of course, total political support. The outcome of this was that inwards 1664 having been annoyed on several occasions past times the Dutch, the English linguistic communication decided to send a surprise fleet non only to the Gold Coast but also to the Dutch possessions inwards America, nether 1 Admiral Holmes. Indeed they were taken past times surprise as well as many of the forts were taken with the exception of Elmina Castle of course. But the Dutch too had their surprise inwards store for the English linguistic communication because before the English linguistic communication could gear upwards themselves properly to ward off a counter-attack - all this took spot inwards official peace time! - the Dutch sent Admiral De Ruyter who chop-chop recovered most of the lost forts as well as also conquered the original English linguistic communication headquarters at Kormantin, leaving nevertheless to the English linguistic communication the old Swedish fort of Carolusburg at Cape Coast.
It's a rattling essential episode that happened inwards 1664-1665 as well as that affected also y'all Americans. Because it was inwards that same naval state of war that the Dutch also lost New Amsterdam which was named after the Duke of York, blood brother of Charles II, after James II, who played an of import role inwards overseas expansion equally I've said. So New Amsterdam became New York as well as inwards revenge the Dutch named the old English linguistic communication fort at Kormantin after Amsterdam - perhaps to create upwards for the loss of �New Amsterdam�! The Duke of York indeed continued to involvement himself inwards the African enterprise. It was he also who first off encouraged the striking of the famous Guineas, the aureate coins made of Republic of Guinea gold, which were so pure that inwards fact they became worth to a greater extent than than the official pound sterling. Until quite of late the English linguistic communication used the term �Guinea� to announce the equivalent of 21 shillings.
In 1672 the Africa merchandise was spot on a novel as well as sounder ground inwards England with the foundation of the Royal African Company which became the keen competitor of the Dutch West Indian Company inwards this portion of the world. It was this Royal Africa Company which also built hither inwards Accra, James Fort.
Again at that spot are few Americans who realize that James Fort as well as New York are genuinely named after the same person. As if the province of affairs wasn't complicated enough, inwards the 1680s nosotros larn in 1 trial again a novel land establishing itself - the Brandenburg African Company, inwards fact, some other Dutch interloper company, which established a fairly large fort at Princes Town as well as a few modest stations inwards Ahanta; highly annoying for the Dutch who upwards to that fourth dimension thought the Ahanta area, closest to the aureate producing area, was alone theirs. All this competition was bound to atomic number 82 to turmoil, also within the interior of the Gold Coast as well as this nosotros regard take spot indeed after 1690 when specially the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch got involved inwards their endlessly complicated serial of wars known equally the Komenda wars, centered around Komenda where both Dutch as well as English linguistic communication built a fort within shooting make of each other. Komenda was also described inwards a famous volume past times William Bosman which shows how this cut-throat competition non only led to a full general involvement of the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch inwards the politics of the immediate interior but also led to a gradual decline inwards the provide of gold. So that past times 1700 inwards fact the aureate merchandise was so much inwards decline that Europe had to facial expression also to the Gold Coast for that other keen �commodity� from Africa - commodity inwards quotation marks - slaves. It was only after 1700 that the slave merchandise became of import on the Gold Coast, which, past times the Portuguese as well as also for a long fourth dimension past times the Dutch, was ever regarded equally unfit for the slave trade. For slave merchandise y'all needed state of war as well as with state of war merchandise paths from the aureate mines to the coast could non remain open. We recognize this episode, the chapter of the slave trade, also the construction of the forts with the relatively novel extensions inwards the shape of hollow bastions, slave prisons, of which nosotros silent observe this notorious representative inwards Cape Coast Castle - the dungeons. Around 1700 also, although their competition continued to live unsuccessful, we've seen attempts of the French to penetrate - much feared past times the English linguistic communication as well as Dutch as well as the Danes as well as Brandenburgers. Though planned with keen grandeur cipher comes out of it but a little wooden fort which lasted only 2 years. In the belatedly 18th century nosotros observe silent a number of forts built at the extremes of the Gold Coast - the English linguistic communication at Beyin inwards Nzima area, the Danes at Keta, Ada, as well as also a little British fort at Prampram. But the keen historic menses of fort edifice was genuinely over past times that time.
In the 19th century nosotros regard in 1 trial again an alone novel evolution which inwards a way is dorsum to �square one�! The Portuguese started past times edifice defences mainly on the landside. We regard that it in 1 trial again became necessary to build defences on the landside, this fourth dimension against the invading Asante or, inwards the instance of Elmina, against the Fante, who were the keen enemies of Elminas. So around Cape Coast as well as Elmina nosotros regard inwards the 19th century the construction of a number of fortifications which are genuinely non meant for merchandise but purely for protection. In fact Coenraadsburg Fort, built inwards 1665, inwards the days of Holmes as well as De Ruyter, is the only fort which was built for defense forcefulness purposes as well as non for merchandise alongside the forts of Ghana. In the 19th century also nosotros observe some attempts for the foundation of plantations. But on the other manus the African trading elite became independent as well as nosotros regard established centers inwards such places equally Axim or Cape Coast or Sekondi of the grand houses of the first off independent African traders. The smaller forts began to autumn into decay. The castles themselves became at nowadays mainly authorities offices - rattling piffling merchandise is genuinely done at that spot - or regular army barracks. Cape Coast first off was actually, after the deviation of the Dutch inwards 1872, the uppercase of the Gold Coast. But inwards 1876 the English linguistic communication moved their uppercase to Accra as well as made Christiansborg the spot of authorities which is what it is upwards to this rattling day. Other forts are turned into post offices or ease houses but it's only inwards around 1950 the province begins in 1 trial again to go officially interested inwards these buildings as well as monuments. Now inwards the 1970s nosotros are getting to the phase where all these forts are beingness restored. In Cape Coast Castle a museum is going to opened upwards rattling soon, Elmina Castle volition live turned into a tourist hostel as well as most of the other forts volition serve equally ease houses.
I think it is nearly fourth dimension that I stop. But silent I would similar to say a few words . . . �Stop looking at your watch!� . . . a few words virtually life inwards as well as around the forts because that is something which people visiting these places don't ever realize - what was life genuinely similar inwards these forts.
They are sometimes called ships permanently at anchor inwards the days of the companies. The whole organisation of social life inwards the forts was rattling much similar that on a ship. Very important, key for the fort, was the flag - rattling essential that the flag was hoisted rattling early on inwards the forenoon as well as lowered belatedly at night. And also, if y'all were a trader, to create sure as shooting that y'all went to the correct place. Between Cape Coast as well as Anomabu y'all had v forts of 2 or 3 different nations. If y'all were just one-half a mile incorrect y'all could facial expression to live shot at past times the enemy. So it was indeed essential that y'all clearly showed yourself past times your colours. That is also why y'all observe on those old engravings those unbelievable large pieces of textile hanging over these forts.
Life inwards the fort was furthermore similar on ship - regulated past times bells as well as the threescore minutes glass. Bells 1 may observe only inwards a few places silent extant but many of these forts silent take hold bell towers that are at nowadays empty - for instance the circular tower of Elmina Castle on the northeast side. Then rattling of import similar on ships was the firing of salutes. Every fourth dimension a ship arrived salutes were fired. It is interesting to know that some forts inwards fact had such first-class natural defences or were so unimportant that they take hold never fired anything but salutes. Places similar Butri had something similar 20 cannon but those cannon had never been used for anything other than firing salutes. The commercial as well as political hierarchy inwards the forts was parallel to as well as sometimes coincided with the armed forces hierarchy. Of the companies the West Indian Company was the most permanent - as well as personally I tin tell y'all to a greater extent than as well as I experience to a greater extent than confident on that land of study rather than on that of the Danish, High German or English linguistic communication companies. For the day-to-day authorities at Elmina the Director-General was assisted past times a Council consisting the main merchant, the financial bookkeeper-general, some main factors; as well as so he was assisted exterior Elmina past times factors as well as sub factors who commanded the modest forts. The council, consisting of the aforementioned, decided on policy of merchandise as well as full general politics also, equally much equally it involved making treaties with local chiefs. In fact the director-general as well as council did constitute a sort of existent authorities as well as had considerable power, much greater powerfulness than whatever modern trading fellowship acting inwards this country. Scribes of course of instruction had extremely hard piece of work before the days of the typewriter. All of import letters had to live made at to the lowest degree inwards triplo, 1 re-create for the local file, 1 re-create for the directors inwards Amsterdam - the so-called assembly of 10; as well as 1 re-create for 1 of the diverse chapters of the West Indian Company concerned. The Company was sub-divided inwards 5 chambers representing the major trading cities inwards the Netherlands. Also the communications with the Netherlands were extremely slow, specially the outwards send service from the Gold Coast to Europe which sometimes took to a greater extent than than 1� years because ships could non canvass but from the upper coast to the lower coast with the electrical flow as well as the prevailing winds. All of y'all take hold been swimming sometimes inwards the sea hither as well as know that the electrical flow is ever from the westward to the east. When y'all are looking at the airdrome all the planes are ever taking off against the nearly permanent western winds. So letters from Gold Coast to the Netherlands had to go all the way to the West Indies as well as sometimes to North America before they reached home.
And so for instance I sometimes found references to well-known events - for instance to the expiry of Queen Ann which I believe was inwards 1714, which was commemorated inwards a alphabetic character written inwards 1718 because that was the first off fourth dimension they had heard she died - after to a greater extent than than 3 years! Another incident which is interesting to annotation how essential it was indeed to canvass from the westward to the E non the E to the westward - inwards 1641 when the Dutch tried to conquer Axim, where, the Portuguese were silent holding out after the Dutch had captured Elmina they sent a little fleet - unwisely inwards the rainy flavor when the winds as well as the electrical flow are strongest - inwards monastic tell to capture Axim. But after 4� weeks the commander of this fleet decided to homecoming because he had reached only Takoradi!
Furthermore social life at the forts must take hold been extremely dull really. The only way of amusing oneself was drinking as well as that is in all probability what has also given the Republic of Guinea Coast the hollo �white man's grave�! - non that the climate was so unhealthy but that people drank themselves to death! Life was extremely, severely regulated. The gates of the castle closed at nighttime at seven; the drawbridges, if they were there, were drawn up. And yet all these preventive measures, did non forbid the ascent of a mulatto class. Of course of instruction 1 should non live too hard on the men of those days because at that spot were rattling few European women around as well as those that did come upwards either died or were indeed hardly attractive equally I empathise from descriptions. These women sometimes occupied their gratis time, as well as they had lots of gratis time, with the distribution of large quantities of bibles which I'm afraid were non rattling much read! There were of course of instruction attempts to constitute schools inwards the castles, specially at Cape Coast as well as Elmina but in 1 trial again it was non rattling successful as well as to my surprise, fifty-fifty inwards modern works on Ghanaian education, this is stressed far more, these early on failures of the early on castle schools, than the much to a greater extent than of import preparation which was given inwards the courtyards - these workshops where many Africans were trained inwards such useful crafts equally carpentry, ship repairing, as well as gardening. Gardening in 1 trial again was mainly done for the inhabitants of the forts or for the provide for the ships. But at to the lowest degree they had the effect inwards this ground that many novel crops were introduced, such equally tomatoes, maize, some people fifty-fifty say the ameliorate qualities of yam. And these must take hold originally come upwards from these castle gardens.
Well I've tried to remain within the boundary of time. I'm non sure as shooting how clear I've been but at to the lowest degree I hope I've been clear plenty to arouse some questions inwards you.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
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Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
| from: Van Dantzig, A, Het Nederlandse Aandeel inwards de Slawenhandel Fibula 1968 (in Dutch) Jan Pranger, "governor of the Gold Coast." In the background, an African servant. Through the window, inwards the distance, fort Coenraadsburgh is visible. Painting past times Frans van der Mijn, 1742 credit Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam |
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
- van Kessel, I (ed.) Merchants, Missionaries & Migrants: 300 years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations. Kit Publishers & Sub-Saharan Publishers, 2002.
- Authors: E. Kusruri, D. Kpobi, D.K. Arhinful, H. van der Zee, A. Pakosie, J.J. Vrij, N. Everts, V.K. Nyanteng,
- In Nov 1701, David van Nyendael, an envoy of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company (WIC) was the first off European to see the royal courtroom inwards Kumasi, uppercase of the emerging Ashanti empire inwards the hinterland of the Gold Coast. Three hundred years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations take hold passed since then.
- Merchants, Missionaries as well as Migrants � 300 years of Dutch � Ghanaian Relations focuses on diverse aspects of the long-standing as well as intricate economic, political, cultural as well as human ties - past as well as present- between Ghanaians as well as Dutchmen.
- Experts from Ghana, the Netherlands, Surinam as well as Republic of Indonesia nowadays their enquiry findings on these issues. These fascinating histories deserve a broad audience. They delineate a broad make of topics from Dutch-Ghanaian history: from the merchandise inwards gold, ivory as well as slaves to the cocoa trade; from liaisons betwixt European men as well as African women inwards previous centuries to present-day Ghanaian migration to the Netherlands; from the involuntary migration of x of thousands of slaves to the plantations inwards Surinam to the piffling known history of the African soldiers who sailed from Elmina to serve inwards the Dutch regular army inwards the East Indies; as well as from the role of Dutch genever in Ghanaian ritual to the dramatic life story of Jacobus Capitein, the first off dark Christian government minister to live ordained inwards the Netherlands.
- Yarak, Larry W, Asante as well as the Dutch 1744-1873 Clarendon Press Oxford 1990 (quotations as well as notes)
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
9 sika sene, biribi nsen bio: Wealth surpasses everything sika ne ohene: money is king
44 Elmina to Kumasi 10 -12 days
95 In add-on to an overriding concern to go on Dutch domination of the Akan merchandise inwards exported gold, a major incentive for the Dutch to expand their commercial as well as armed forces presence inwards West Africa was the want to facilitate the procurement of slaves for the carbohydrate plantations of the New World. In 1734 the West Indian Company lost its monopoly to gratis Dutch traders inwards the slave merchandise equally access to the forts was opened to gratis Dutch traders. The company's direct participation inwards the slave merchandise ended presently thereafter equally private trading companies such equally the Middelburgsche Commercie Compagne assumed the chore of supplying the Dutch plantations inwards the Caribbean.
100 From 1735 until its dissolution inwards 1791 the West Indian company's activities on the Gold Coast were limited to those of an officially sanctioned direction trunk overseeing the staffing as well as physical maintenance of the Dutch forts. However, it remained the responsibleness of their personnel at the coast to regard to it that sufficient slaves were available for purchase past times the gratis Dutch traders inwards substitution for licensing fees as well as a duty on each slave purchased at the forts. Moreover, from 1754 fellowship employees were allowed to engage inwards private merchandise spell carrying out their official duties inwards the forts, a do that would go on good into the 19th century.
100 Dutch slave exports peaked inwards the 1760s when a total of some 70000 slaves were loaded onto Dutch ships. In Oct 1771 -- during previous 12 months 1500-1600 slaves were exported from Elmina. Annual average for 1770s 4900
- Summary : This study is based on the records of the Dutch coastal administration's Council of Senior Officials, roofing the menses betwixt 1815-1830. They provide fascinating as well as often vivid glimpses into otherwise obscure conditions of life. At a to a greater extent than analytical level, however, these records document important aspects of social tension within Elmina's shape structure. The cases dealt with involve theft, as well as murder, attempted murder of conspiracy to commit murder. Notes.
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana
Mrs Yvonne Nduom
Kat Tachie menson as well as Doris selling fish
Nana Yaa, Candace as well as Doris inwards Elmina
Photosources:
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
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Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana https://haftshappenings.blogspot.com/search?q=ghana-fort-elmina-1522-beter.jpg" width="640" />
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
Please click on the bulleted headings to toggle text.
Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana
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These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
Please click on the bulleted headings to toggle text.
- Anquandah, J, Castles as well as Forts of Ghana, Republic of Ghana Museums & Monuments Board/Atalante, undated: 2000? ( with fine photographs past times Thierry Secretan)
- 59 (of Elmina Castle, quoting Jean Barbot, 1682): This castle has justly go famous for beauty as well as strength, having no equal on all the coasts of Guinea. Built foursquare with rattling high walls of dark chocolate-brown stone so rattling theatre that it may live said to live cannon-proof. On the ground side it has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O sufficient for the utilization of the garrison as well as the ships - canals cutting inwards the stone past times the Portuguese (by blowing upwards the stone piffling past times piffling with gunpowder. The warehouses either for goods or provisions are rattling largely as well as stately ever good furnished."
- Arhin, Kwame (ed.) The Cape Coast as well as Elmina Handbook: Past, nowadays as well as future, Inst. of African Studies, University of Ghana, 1995.Chapter One CAPE COAST AND ELMINA IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, Kwame Arhin
SECTION 2 ELMINA
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
10 The Dutch paid rents or goodwill money on the Castle ground successively to the local authorities, to Denkyera as well as Asante. . . The Dutch also had recourse to local women, produced children as well as built human bridges betwixt the stranger as well as host races. . . they supported their hosts, though only with ammunition, inwards their wars with their neighbours. . . .In the eighteenth as well as nineteenth centuries the Dutch cemented their alliance with Asante; non only through payment of "kostgeld," but also through the periodic substitution of presents which enriched Asante stuff culture. . . the basic indigenous economies of the trading centres were overlaid with occupations relating to the establishment of the European trading-fort. The basic elements of the indigenous economic scheme were cultivation, line-fishing as well as salt-making. In due course of instruction traders from the due north as well as overseas did business organisation inwards the market-place as well as at the houses inwards the village, as well as tillage as well as line-fishing advanced beyond subsistence: Cape Coast as well as Elmina were alongside the earliest centres of money economic scheme inwards the territories at nowadays embraced past times modern Ghana.
11 . . . The traditional socio-political organisation of Elmina was strongly modified past times its frontier as well as trading status. The basis construction was 1 of matrilineage localized inwards wards, whose heads, united inwards a constituted council, as well as led past times 1 of them, acted equally the supreme potency of the town as well as its subordinate or satellite villages. Headship of the Council was custom-determined inwards favour of the manlike individual descendants of the founder of the town who, alongside the Akan, are known equally the aristocrats/royals, adehyee. Headships of wards as well as villages are similarly determined, spell such offices equally those of spokesmen, akyeame, are vested inwards sure as shooting matrilineages.
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
- Hyland, A. D. C.. Chapter Two THE CASTLES OF ELMINA AND CAPE COAST, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO TOWNS
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
This is the oldest surviving European edifice inwards the torrid zone . . . the castle which the Portuguese began to build inwards 1482 was substantially complete, to its original plan, past times 1486 . . . several years before Columbus crossed the Atlantic . . . or Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope as well as opened upwards the sea route to India.
14 . . . In 1637, the Dutch made their concluding onrush on Elmina. . . Finally on the August 28 or 29, 1637, the Portuguese surrendered as well as handed over the castle to the Dutch, who were to remain masters of Elmina for over 200 years. . . As presently equally the Dutch were established inwards Elmina, they set virtually improving the defences . . . as well as . . . repairing the considerable harm caused past times the bombardment.
15 . . . the colina of St. Jago was fortified . . . Named Coenraadsburg past times the Dutch, the Fort was completed past times 1666 . . .
16 Elmina was the first off town on the Gold Coast of whatever architectural pretension; silent situated on the narrow peninsula betwixt the Benya Lagoon as well as the sea, the older portion of the town, characterized past times its steeply pitched thatched roof houses, . . remained at that spot until it was razed to the ground past times the British inwards 1873. During the eighteenth century, the town was silent rattling dependent on the Castle . . . In the early on years of the century . . . the main block fronting the Great Court was remodelled; as well as after inwards the century, the Governor's spot inwards the southward tower was extended past times edifice a wing higher upwards the main entrance of the Castle.
17 (A) map of 1799 shows Elmina equally it was during the early on years of Governor Bartels' administration, at which fourth dimension Elmina reached the apogee of its prestige as well as prosperity. Carl Ludwig Bartels, who was governor from 1789-1804, had been inwards Dutch authorities service inwards Elmina for many years previously, as well as had built a substantial theatre inwards the old town, unopen to the river, for his married adult woman as well as household unit of measurement inwards 1786.
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
- Astley, Thomas (ed) H5N1 New General Collection of Voyages as well as Travels Vol II London 1745
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
398 Captain Thomas Phillips 1693. Fort of Mina. They took a walk before dinner virtually the Castle which is old as well as built upon a stone after the Portuguese fashion, from whom the Dutch plundered it. It had iv flankers as well as virtually 18 guns inwards all, those towards the sea practiced as well as long as well as some of them brass; the walls are pretty high as well as the Gate potent which faces the continent. In the midst of the fort is their warehouse, kitchen as well as lodgings of the soldiers, over which at that spot are 3 or iv little rooms for the Factors. A keen portion of the roof as well as wall of that wherein they dined was fallen down. For dinner they had some muscovy duck, kid, fish as well as store of other provision. What Phillips liked best was a Yam pudding which consume rattling gratefully, managed past times the French Doctor, with carbohydrate as well as orangish juice. They had plenty of Punch as well as Stummed Rhenish wine; but a drinkable called Kokoro, looking similar sparse whey, as well as is a sort of palm wine, he preferred to whatever other. He thought it drank similar mead or rather Verdy, or white Florence wine, equally they telephone telephone it at Livorno. Dinner beingness over as well as the King's health, the African Company's as well as theirs beingness drank, each with a salvo of screw? guns, they were invited to select a walk, where the Negroes used to dance, virtually a quarter of a mile from the fort nether 2 or 3 rattling large Cotton trees, of which their canoes are made. Seats as well as liquor beingness brought, presently after came the musick, beingness 3 dark fellows with the similar number of hollow elephant teeth, through which they made a hideous bellowing as well as were accompanied past times some other who shell a hollow slice of brass with a stick. Then came Mr. Rawlisson (Dutch factor from Axim) the factor's wife, a pretty immature Mulatto, with a rich silk cloth virtually her middle as well as a silk cap upon her head, flowered with aureate as well as silver, nether which her pilus was combed out at length. For the mulattos covet to vesture it so inwards mistaken of the whites, never curling it upwards or letting it friz equally the blacks do. She was attended past times the Second's as well as Doctor's wives, immature blacks virtually thirteen. After the English linguistic communication had saluted them they went to trip the low-cal fantastic past times turns, inwards a ridiculous manner, making antic gestures with their arms, shoulders as well as heads, their feet having the to the lowest degree percentage inwards the action. They began moderately, but quickened their motions past times degrees, till at the latter halt they appeared perfecftly furious as well as distracted. . . The Town is on the East side, containing virtually an hundred houses or huts, straight along the banks of a river which empties itself into the sea close the castle, at the oral fissure of which is a landing place. The Author saw higher upwards an hundred men as well as women with pails on the side of the river, who they told him were washing of sand as well as dirt inwards search of aureate dust.
399 Sukkandi: went ashore at the English linguistic communication castle where found Mr. Johnson inwards his bed raving mad, through resentment of an affront spot on him past times 1 Van Hukeline, the Copeman or merchant of the Mina Castle. . . One Taguba, a noted Negro wench inwards Cape Coast town, gotten with kid past times some of the soldiers of the castle, was brought to bed of a mulatto girl, who growing virtually 11 years old, this Johnson, so a factor at Cape Coast, had a keen fancy for her as well as purposed to select her for his married adult woman (as they select wives inwards Guinea. . . note, That is, during Pleasure) and beingness virtually that fourth dimension removed to live main Factor at Sekondi, inwards monastic tell to create sure as shooting of the girl, he took her at that spot to live with him, till she was of historic menses check for conjugal embraces, using her with much tenderness as well as taking keen satisfaction inwards her fellowship for 2 or 3 years. But when she was grown up, beingness a pretty girl, Vanhukeline, past times bribes as well as presents corrupted her woman parent Taguba. . . girl kidnapped. Johnson after murdered on orders of Vanhukeline (who presently cracked the nut Johnson had been so long cooking to his ain tooth). When Phillips dined with the Dutch General at the Mina, he saw her there, beingness brought to trip the low-cal fantastic before them, rattling fine, bearing the championship Madam Vanhukeline. This as well as some other old differences with the Dutchman, had quite turned his brain.
400 Cape Coast castle. Before their departure, Captain Shirley as well as he entertained the Agents, Factors as well as other officers at Dinner inwards a foursquare summerhouse which stands inwards the middle of the Castle grounds.
401 Bought Indian corn for provision of the slaves to Barbados. The allowance beingness a pectus which contains virtually iv bushes for every Negro. Palm Oil.
401 . . . both dined with him aboard, with their wives, who were Mulattos. This he says is a pleasant way of marrying, for they tin plough their wives off, as well as select other at Pleasure, which makes them rattling careful to sense of humour their husbands inwards washing their linen, cleaning their chambers etc as well as the accuse of keeping them is piffling or nothing.
402 Winneba. Filled some H2O as well as cutting practiced store of firewood past times the Queen's permission. Their Queen is virtually l years old, dark equally jet, but rattling corpulent. They went to pay their respects to her nether a keen tree where she sat. She received them rattling kindly as well as made her attendants trip the low-cal fantastic after their way before them. She was gratis of his kisses to Mr. . . whom she seemed much to esteem. They presented her with an anchor of brandy each as well as some hands of tobacco. She was so extremely civil before they parted equally to offering each of them a bedfellow of her immature Maids of Honour spell they continued there, but they modestly declined her majesty's offer.
Here the author saw many guinea hens as well as diverse other fowl but was pleased most with the herd of wild deer ranging the plains. He saw at to the lowest degree v hundred at once, but so wild, that they could shoot none. Here are likewise large baboons, some equally large equally keen mastiffs. They go l or an hundred together. They are unsafe to live met with, especially past times women, whom (as the Author was credibly assured) they often seize as well as ravish to expiry past times lying with them 1 after the other.
402 Akra. Phillips bought a v manus canoe of the Black General who had seized the Danes fort there. (1693) It seems it was surprised past times a packet of negros, privately armed, who got inwards nether the pretence of trade, and having stabbed his 2nd spell he was showing them the goods dispersed to secure all the other inwards the castle, a political party lying concealed without to assist them upon signal given. The General hearing the tumult came out of his sleeping accommodation sword inwards manus to regard what was the affair as well as was instantly assaulted past times 2 blacks against whom he made practiced his ground for some time, calling out for assistance. But no to a greater extent than coming as well as to a greater extent than blacks pressing on he flung himself out of a window as well as fled to the Dutch after he had received several wounds 1 of which had disabled his left arm.
This Black General (now go governor) sent 2 of his servants to invite Mr B1 as well as Mr. B2 as well as the Captain to dine. While they accepting, were carried inwards hammocks he had sent to attend them. The guard at the castle demanded their swords, which all delivered but Phillips who refused. The General having been acquainted with it, came as well as told him it was his custom. The other replied, that mightiness be, but it was never the custom of English linguistic communication commanders to portion with their swords upon whatever business organisation human relationship whatsoever. In which finding him resolute the General seeming satisfied led them inwards showing them the way into the Dining Room which was past times climbing a ladder as well as entering through a hole or scuttle. When they were ascended, he drank to them as well as all the guns inwards the fort were discharged. After they had walked virtually a quarter of an threescore minutes inwards the castle, Phillips pulled off his sword of his ain accord, which, he perceived the King took rattling kindly.
They were treated with plenty punch as well as victuals, which were pretty good dressed. For the governor had been ready to 1 of the English linguistic communication factories as well as at nowadays went rattling often into the kitchen to give the necessary orders. Though at dinner he was inwards keen state, having a negro man child with a pistol at each side of him for a guard. He drank the King of England's the African company's as well as his guests' healths ofttimes with volleys of cannon of which he fired virtually 200 during their remain there. The flag he was flight was white with a dark homo painted inwards the middle brandishing a scimitar. . . In their way dorsum to the English linguistic communication castle (4 miles to the west) they killed 4 hares with clubs. This vermin frequents inwards vast number the sedge as well as furzes which are hereabouts rattling thick. Phillips thought them rattling insipid meat. Next twenty-four hours arrived 2 Danish ships with 26 guns each sent on purpose from Kingdom of Denmark to care for with the Black General virtually surrendering the fort. . . which he delivered upwards (after bargaining) upon signing of an musical instrument to quit all pretension of reparation or satisfaction from the Black General or his Accomplices, for seizing the castle, equally also the merchandizes as well as goods, as well as l marks of aureate that were inwards it as well as to pay downward 50 to a greater extent than at the delivery.
Chap III Rev Fr. Godfrey Lovyer, a Jacobine. Abstract of a voyage to Iffini on the Gold Coast. (This must live the Nzima coast.) - The next twenty-four hours 7.6.21 they came to Cape Tres Puntas ...story of Kaboshir, John Conny, who broke the heads of some of the crew regarding payment for H2O inwards casks.
On an side past times side colina stood the Danish (or equally some say the Brandenburgers') fort which some few years since having been relinquished past times them as well as thereby fallen inwards John Conny's possession, has occasioned some contests betwixt him as well as the Dutch. These last, pretending a championship of purchase, inwards 1720 sent a bomb-vessel, as well as 2 or 3 frigates to demand a surrendering; but John beingness a bold as well as subtil fellow, weighing their strength, answered, that he expected some musical instrument should live shown him to confirm the Brandenburgers' sale; as well as fifty-fifty with that, says he, I tin seen no pretence but to the ground was non theirs to dispose of. They take hold paid me rent for it (continues he) as well as since they take hold thought check to remove, I do non blueprint to tenant it out to whatever other white men spell I live. This sort of Palaver nettled the British; who threw inwards some bombs as well as shot; then to a greater extent than inflamed with rage as well as brandy, rashly landed 40 of their men, nether command of their lieutenant, to onrush the Town. They fired in 1 trial without whatever harm as well as so John at the caput of his men, rushing from nether the cover of the houses with greater force, cutting them inwards pieces , paving the entrance of his spot presently after with their skulls. This payoff made him rattling exact with everybody virtually what he called his dues, though just inwards Trade. When the English linguistic communication had returned to a practiced understanding (about the H2O MIH) the author (Atkins) with some other officers paid him a visit. The southerly winds made so keen a surf, that their landing was unsafe non to live performed past times their ain boats, but past times the canoes of his sending, for which they paid an akki. The Negro count the seas as well as know when to paddle safely on or off. John himself stood on the shore to have them attended past times a guard of 20 or 30 men nether brilliant arms, who conducted him to his house. This was a pretty large edifice raised from the materials of the fort. It ascended with a double stone staircase without, of 12 steps. On that flooring are 3 practiced rooms, 1 his armoury, some other his chamber, with a standing bed inwards it, as well as the 3rd for amusement of guests, furnished with tables, chairs, etc.
450 The way to it lay through 2 courtyards, the outer had houses for officers as well as servants belonging to him. The inner (a spacious square) had a ground room as well as practiced armoury past times the entrance , with piazzas to accommodate his guard, as well as copy inwards some mensurate the grandeur of the Prussian governors with whom John had been a retainer for some years. From them he had taken inwards his punctilio, as well as knew how to spot on a important countenance. He was a potent made man, virtually fifty, of a sullen look, as well as commanded the observe of beingness bare headed from all the Negroes virtually him that were with caps.
565 plate LX H5N1 map of the Gold Coast, M D'Anville 1729
King of Asiante (very powerful) -> ground of Akanni (formerly rattling powerful as well as rich inwards aureate -> Abrambo/Kabesterra, Fetu kingdom -> St. George de Mina H. Conraedsburgh H. Ekki tekki or piffling Kommendo C.H.
Cape Coast shown equally Oegwa
Gt. Kommendo shown inland due north of Elmina.
589 Plate 61 Prospect of the coast from El Mina to Mourri from Barbot as well as Smith.
6 ships off Elmina. 4 to a greater extent than off Fort Royal at Manfrow (between Cape Coast as well as Mouri) Ships take hold 3 tall masts with long sparse flags flight at their heads. Inclined mast at each end. Large national flag higher upwards the deck at the stern. Picture of the Sun inscribed on the stern. Two rows of foursquare windows with 2 horizontal as well as 2 vertical bars. A. Negro canoas carrying slaves aboard at Manfrow. Three slaves inwards front, iv paddlers at rear, 1 steering. All stripped to the waist.
Prospect of St. Georges Castle at El Mina from Barbot as well as Dapper. View from the east, offshore. Castle has high walls, little beach below. Huge flag (three horizontal stripes) flight from post on top of steeple. Crossed on ridges of all the roofs. Village seen behind (to westward of castle) Rectangular unmarried storey buildings with ridged roofs. Bridge on many piles wit delineate span inwards Dutch style. Tall mast seen upstream inwards the the lagoon. Only 1 edifice North of the span except for Conraedsburg on St. Jago.
636 Gold trinkets worn equally spells. Gold horn. Gold chapeau band. Necklace. Arm rings. Large wooden stools. Scales for gold. Krakra gold, pea weight, Fe pin, money. Piece of aureate (like coral) Hair combs, 3 or 4 teeth.
669 Gold Coast music from Barbot. Snappers or castagnets. Blowing horns or trumpets. Musical tongs two pronged shape with striking rod. Brass kettle manus bells. Brass Bafon? Flutes. Drum. Royal drum. Small drum. Sort of Cittern 4 stringed instrument, board with calabash? behind.
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
- Bech, Niels & Hyland, H5N1 D C. Elmina a Conservation Study UST Occasional written report 17 1978 (notes)
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
Fort on St. Jago Hill called Coenraadsburg
Elmina town situated on narrow peninsula betwixt Benya lagoon as well as the sea until 1873 when it was razed to the ground.
In 18th century the expanse around St. Jago colina was covered past times the castle's vegetable as well as fruit gardens serving also equally a spot of relaxation
By the halt of the 18th century plantations, marketplace spot gardens, pavilions, little buildings. Well defined route layout (w of lagoon)
Map of 1799. Bridge existed. Map past times J. Berseman - General State Archives The Hague.
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
- DeCorse, Christopher R. AN ARCHAEOLOGY OF ELMINA: Africans as well as Europeans on the Gold Coast, 1400-1900
- Examines a complex African settlement on the coast of present-day Republic of Ghana from the fifteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Explores developments at that spot inwards the low-cal of European expansion as well as illustrates remarkable cultural continuity inwards the midst of technological change. BNS, 73 b/w illus, fourteen maps, 5 tables, 288pp, USA . SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT, 1560989718 2001 HB GBP34.50
- Everts, Natalie, Cherchez la femme : gender-related issues inwards eighteenth-century Elmina, Itinerario: (1996), vol. 20, no. 1, p. 45-57.
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history/itin/itin.htm
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
- Feinberg, H.M. Elmina, Ghana : a history of its evolution as well as human relationship with the Dutch inwards the eighteenth century Boston : Boston University, 1969. - XX, 260 p. ; Thesis Boston University, 1969.
- Summary : Studies Elmina's political development, growth as well as daily life. The human relationship of Elmina with the Dutch is analyzed from the standpoint of the meeting of 2 cultures to determine the grade of impingement of the Dutch on the Elminan way of life as well as the legacy of this civilisation contact.
- Feinberg, H.M., An incident inwards Elmina-Dutch relations, the Gold Coast (Ghana), 1739-1740 African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 359-372..
- Summary : The human relationship betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch is to a greater extent than often than non considered to take hold been peaceful as well as mutually cooperative. In 1739 however, a serious conflict arose betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch. On May 26 or 27, 1739, Director General de Bordes forbade Elminan canoes to leave of absence the Benya River to fish inwards the sea. He also ordered his subordinates to seize whatever nutrient coming to Elmina by sea as well as on the forenoon of the 27th a number of boats loaded with corn were seized past times West Republic of Republic of India Company slaves. The Elminans sought an explanation from de Bordes but received no satisfaction. They were ordered to leave of absence the castle; the castle gates were closed, as well as inwards a small spell fighting commenced. This conflict is discussed according to the next outline: 1. a listing of events from May 27, 1739 to virtually March 21, 1740, 2. the points of view on causes; 3. the costs to the Dutch; 4. the effect of the conflict on the Elminans. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Palaver on the Gold Coast : Elmina-Dutch cooperation during the eighteenth century African Perspectives: (1979), no. 2, p. 11-20.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Elmina Town inwards the eighteenth century - Los Angeles : African studies association, 1984. ASA, Los Angeles, 25-28 October, 1984.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Hutton, William, H5N1 voyage to Africa, London, 1821
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
Great credit is due to the Dutch for the improvements which they take hold carried on here. Besides a harbour for little vessels, at that spot are piers, wharfs, as well as cranes, for landing goods. The ground also is also ameliorate cultivated than at whatever other portion of the coast; nearly 2 miles at the dorsum of' the town, are good set out inwards beds of ground-nuts as well as Mr. Neiser has made a fine plantation with 35,000 cotton wool trees, virtually 2 miles from the castle, as well as cutting a route to it, at to the lowest degree xxx feet broad, at his ain expence. I rode into the ground with this gentleman, when I was finally at Elmina, as well as was astonished at the improvements he had made. He so informed me that he had lxxx men employed inwards making a java plantation; as well as it is to live hoped many others inwards Africa volition follow Mr. Neiser's example, which is the most effectual way to cultivate the country, as well as civilize the natives. The gardens at Elmina, containing oranges, pineapples, sour soups, as well as other tropical fruits, likewise vegetables of all descriptions, do keen credit to the Dutch as well as the English linguistic communication at our head-quarters are ofttimes obliged to them for a provide of these articles. Mr. Neiser's hospitality deserves to live specially mentioned.
The town of Elmina is the only 1 on the coast which is built with stone, as well as also the only 1 that is paved. There is 1 broad street before the fort, but the town is badly set out, the houses beingness all built unopen together, without to a greater extent than than sufficient infinite to walk betwixt them.
The number of inhabitants may amount to viii thousand; and, similar most of the natives residing on the coast, they fish with the cast-net regularly every morning, excepting on their fetish days.
Although Elmina belongs to Warsaw, the manlike individual monarch does non forbid the inhabitants from exercising municipal authority. These people were guilty of an human activity some years ago, which tin never live forgotten. The governor, Hoogenboom, having given them some get of offence, they beset him 1 even at the billiard-table as well as murdered him inwards the most inhuman manner. Elmina is the easternmost maritime town inwards the kingdom of Warsaw, as well as Chama the most western. I take hold already stated that this ground is tributary to Ashantee, as well as take hold described the diverse towns on the coast which I take hold been at; but never having been inwards the interior of this kingdom, I volition non sweat a description of it.
The Warsaws carry on a considerable merchandise with Europeans, inwards aureate as well as ivory as well as are to a greater extent than remarkable for honesty than their neighbours the Fantees.
If they take hold whatever palaver (dispute), the Pynins as well as Cabboceers (Pynins as well as Cabboceers signify the magistrates or caput men of the town, the chiefs) get together to hear the parties, which sometimes occupies them a whole day, equally they are extremely clever inwards argument, as well as volition ofttimes utter for hours together. When the Pynins cannot create upwards one's hear to the satisfaction of the parties inwards town, they get together inwards the fort as well as submit the instance to the determination of the governor .
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
- Lawrence, A. W. Trade Castles as well as Forts of West Africa, Jonathan Cape, London, 1963 (quotations as well as notes) See also Lawrence, A. W. Fortified Trade Posts: The English linguistic communication inwards West Africa 1645-1822, Jonathan Cape, London, 1968 (recast inwards a shortened shape as well as retitled) Copyright stuff is used hither with the permission of the owners, the Trustees of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Trust.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
32 Dutch maintained a cotton wool plantation close Axim as well as Shama 1765-83
49 Senior as well as junior officers, gratis artisans, soldiers, slaves for indoor as well as outdoor work. Paid (sometimes live-in) gratis Africans or mulattoes. If necessary Governor mightiness fifty-fifty larn supplies from a unusual fort inwards the neighbourhood. In 1778 Cape Coast borrowed cartridge newspaper from Elmina. In 1780 Elmina sold 55 fathoms of novel 5" cable, weight 274 lbs. at 1 oz of aureate per 100 lbs. for a schooner of the English linguistic communication company.
Loneliness: mutual business organisation normally arranged past times letter.
Only Members of Council or Company's seamen made regular journeys. Officers jumped at the take chances of going visiting, several hours past times canoe or inwards a hammock carried past times 1 or 2 couples of men.
Different companies entertained 1 another, relations superficially amicable, business organisation rivalry, spies, plots.
1779. 'The indefatigable pains as well as perseverance, peculiar to the Dutch, with which they past times degrees endeavour inwards futurity to convey virtually their dear as well as political but diabolical conception to forcefulness the English linguistic communication town of Komenda into uniting with their ain protectorate across the river.
Tedium, strains, isolation, conditions of physical as well as mental distress, grumbling, bad temper. Open dissensions as well as quarreling at the Governor's table. Maudlin as well as assertive recollections of elderly governor. Senior officers mightiness adjust for Africans to drum as well as trip the low-cal fantastic inwards the garden for their entertainment. Main characteristic of conviviality was drinking. Dutch favoured neat brandy or rum. English mixed their brandy with lime juice, carbohydrate as well as water. Drank to excess.
English allowed men to pass the nighttime inwards the town as well as to convey women into the fort. Dutch inflicted heavy penalties for both offences. Dutch allowed men exterior forts only inwards daylight. Gates unbolted at twenty-four hours break, slaves living inwards huts exterior reported for duty. Africans from elsewhere mightiness come upwards inwards to purchase as well as sell. Lengthy process, values reckoned inwards weight of gold. Slaves brought firewood - large amounts required. Arrival of ships interrupted everyone's routine. When the fort's sentinel sighted approaching sails, the flag was hoisted as well as preparations made to have the vessel. Canon made ready (is it a pirate?) Friendly man-o-war or ship with VIP entitled to a salute of so many guns. Cargo brought ashore past times canoes or little boats belonging to the fort. Canoemen organized past times a bumboy, gratis African employed past times the fort. Transport of goods from the beach to storerooms done past times slaves, on their heads. Clerical staff hard worked, inventory of incomings, calculating prices. Ship's original inwards a hurry - scared of illness affecting his crew. Medical precautions. Men non to drinkable palmwine. Unsuitable living quarters, pitiable diet, habitual drunkenness, savage punishments. Malaria, yellowish fever, waterborne diseases. Dutch began with the intention of keeping chaplain's post filled - provided a little library of devotional books (1645). Soon resorted to unordained preachers. Dutch company's board inwards Amsterdam ever prohibited concubinage with local women; practice flourished none the less, though inwards secret. Dutch governor's tabular array had (1722) x dishes of victuals, diverseness of beer as well as wine, attendance of 6 negro servants, each a aureate chain circular his neck. Wheat imported, issued out against pay inwards the shape of biscuit. Stocks ran out. Guinea corn or maize used instead. Fresh meat seldom obtained fifty-fifty past times officers, vegetables grown for commander's table. Unprivileged Europeans relied on salted or smoked meat, flour, cheese, butter. Ignored the abundance of fresh fish. Every underground cistern was walled, floored as well as vaulted inwards brick. Rectangular box-like brick conducted H2O from roofs to channels which ran beneath the paving of the courtyard.
122 Re Elmina. Rationalization past times the Dutch 1637-82. Layout inwards 1637 was inwards full general equally today. Buildings contained doorways as well as windows lined with Dutch brick on upper floors. Dutch rarely used the give-and-take bastion. Majority of Dutch piece of work undertaken for improvement - to obtain weatherproof store rooms (ground floor); to increment living accommodation (above). Upper storeys are floored with wood as well as covered with apartment or gabled roofs according to the width of span.
123 In places the Dutch added 2 or to a greater extent than storeys. By 1774 the reconstruction had been virtually completed. Enormous volume of newspaper accumulated from 1675-1791 past times 2nd Dutch fellowship as well as equally yet uncalendered.
124 Based on written report past times Michael Hemmersham, Nuremberg goldsmith, 1639 -1645 at Elmina. When y'all come upwards within the castle at that spot is a large opened upwards infinite on which is a church building that nowadays is used equally a buying as well as trading house. East bastion . . . there a bell on the walls is pulled past times the soldiers as well as struck equally often equally the hours are struck alongside us on our towers. If you climb upwards some steps at that spot y'all come upwards to a tower (north circular tower) inwards which lived the Treasurer as well as higher upwards him the Crew Master (Commodore) who is inwards command of the ships. If y'all go upwards some other stair, on your left is a gallery within the castle to the outward (an enclosed passage behind the outer wall of the rectangular block) But on your correct is a well-built breastwork, from which y'all go downward 3 or iv steps as well as on your correct manus come upwards to the battery on which prevarication nine cannon cast inwards brass. This is called the Governor's battery since his spot is unopen past times (in the rectangular block) through which y'all tin go as well as come upwards downward in 1 trial again to the courtyard. . .
In my fourth dimension a passage was built around the N Tower where the Treasurer has his spot as well as a bell was brought from Sao Tome as well as hung at that spot on the walls so equally to strike the hours both past times twenty-four hours as well as past times night. Riverine yard called the truthful cat yard, where many civet cats are kept. The perfume manufacture - an of import 1 inwards those times of piffling washing - relied greatly on the odorous secretions of civets, which, inwards captivity could live deprived of their scent twice weekly. Dutch handgrip the castle garrisoned with people of High German as well as depression countries race. Whatever a man's organized religious belief mightiness be, nosotros held our Sundays with prayer, reading as well as singing inwards the Governor's quarters inwards the keen hall, which was hung with pikes, muskets as well as similar weapons.
129 1645 Governor had a kitchen built exterior the church building betwixt the pillars, 11' long past times 5'6" wide. Castle armed with 21 large brass guns including 1 48-pounder mortar, 6 - 24 pounders 1 - fourteen pounder canon, 5 - 12 pounders, 3000 canon balls of iron, 153 of stone, 53 - 12 lb 130 - 8 lb mortar bombs 53 spare muskets, 20 anchors, 200 - 1000 lb (for sale), canvas for sails, salted or dried food, 41 barrels of meat = 8 tons, 500 lbs of common salt fish, 85 Europeans, 184 slaves (ate African food) Garrison of 69 officers as well as men, Governor, 4 Europeans concerned solely with trade, nine inwards accuse of handicrafts, a lay preacher (or comforter) who at this fourth dimension conducted religious services on Th as well as Sunday, acted equally a medical dispenser inwards the absence of a chaplain as well as doctor.
From fourth dimension to fourth dimension a chaplain had been appointed but invariably resigned as well as went dorsum to Holland. Small collection of pious books, 72 copies of the Psalms. Medical stores: 147 varieties of ointments, plasters, drugs, etc.
No 1 was allowed out inwards the evenings as well as so the occupants of the castle mightiness take hold escaped malaria as well as yellowish fever, because the air current off the sea keeps mosquitoes away. . . Fort St. Iago enjoys no such immunity. System of guarding it past times roster exposed the entire garrison to infection.
On slopes around the fort as well as inwards valley beyond grew fruit, salads as well as greenish vegetables - preventatives of scurvy. Soldiers' lodgings backed against the drape wall of the keen courtyard: admitted air on 1 side only as well as pelting ofttimes came through the roof. Roofs to a greater extent than often than non tiled. Wood of roofs as well as floors constantly needed replacement. Timber was cutting at Shama or Axim as well as shipped along the coast on the ketches built at that spot past times the Dutch, sawn upwards past times castle slaves. Company vaulted all storage infinite since tiled roofs leaked. Bricks from The Netherlands came out equally ballast, thin, cream to greyish yellow.
132 1682 Castle is built square, with rattling high walls of a dark chocolate-brown stone. Garrison 100 white men as well as perhaps equally many dark soldiers, all inwards the Company's pay. Drawbridge is defended past times a redoubt (the W bastion) with 8 Fe guns as well as a ditch inwards the stone 20ft. deep as well as 18ft broad with an Fe portcullis as well as 4 brass pattereroes within the gate as well as a large guardroom next to it. On the ground side the castle has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O for the utilization of garrison as well as ships.
Besides 3 rattling fine cisterns within the place, each holding several hundred tuns to salve the rain, so that garrison is inwards no keen danger of wanting water. . . There is room inwards the castle for a garrison of 200 men as well as several officers. The general's (governor's) lodgings are higher upwards inwards the castle, the ascent to which is upwards a large white as well as dark stone staircase, defended at the top past times 2 brass guns as well as 4 pattereroes of the same metal. . . as well as a guard room, pretty large, next to which is a keen hall total of little arms of several sorts, equally an arsenal, through which as well as past times a by-passage y'all larn into a fine long gallery, all wainscoted, at each halt of which at that spot are large drinking glass windows, as well as through it is the way to the general's lodgings, containing several practiced chambers as well as offices along the ramparts.
133 The compting houses particularly, are large, finely fitted for the manufacturing flora accomtants bookkeepers as well as servants, inwards all threescore persons.
142 Governor's kitchen, close W corner of the 2nd floor, contains a fireplace as well as a chimney; all the officers ate at the governor's table, hence the enormous size.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
- Lever, J.T., Mulatto influence on the Gold Coast inwards the early on nineteenth century : Jan Nieser of Elmina / . In: African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 253-261.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Van Dantzig, Albert, Castles as well as Forts of Republic of Ghana equally a Collective Historical Monument, inwards Maggie Dodds (ed.), History of Ghana, American Women's Association, Accra, 1974.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
Now forts as well as castles of course of instruction nosotros observe inwards many parts of the world. Most of the forts as well as castles nosotros know exterior Republic of Ghana are either armed forces forts or left over from the Middle Ages, the Feudal era, as well as inwards that instance they are often grown out into palaces. An representative of the extreme shape of palaces growing out of forts is the Versailles Palace close Paris. But the forts as well as castles exterior Europe took mostly the character, specially if they were built past times Europeans, of outposts or strongholds similar y'all take hold inwards the United States of America - similar Fort Worth, Fort Duquesne; hither inwards Africa too, such equally Fort Lamy, an representative of armed forces outpost. What nosotros take hold inwards Republic of Ghana is rather unique, this whole serial of merchandise forts. The genuinely interesting thing of all the forts as well as castles of Republic of Ghana is non so much the private buildings which genuinely are, let's confront it, less impressive than Versailles or the chateaux along the Loire inwards France, but rather the forts as well as castles equally a collective historical monument. Because what is genuinely most surprising as well as interesting is that over less than 300 miles of coastline, inwards a relatively small menses of virtually 3 centuries, non less than threescore fortified merchandise posts of diverse kinds were built. (The original text has a unproblematic map of the coast showing the next forts as well as castles listed from E to west:
Keta (Fort Prindesten),
Ada (Fort Kongesten),
Ningo (Fort Fredensborg),
Prampram (Fort Vernon),
Kpone,
Tema,
Teshie (Fort Augustaborg),
Accra (Christiansborg/Osu Castle,
Fort Crevecoeur/Ussher Fort, James Fort),
Senya Bereku (Fort de Goede Hoop/Good Hope),
Winneba,
Apam (Fort Leydsaamheyd),
Tantumquery,
Amoku,
Kormantin (Fort Amsterdam),
Anomabu (Fort William),
Mori (Fort Nassau),
Cape Coast (Cape Coast Castle),
Elmina (St. George d'Elmina, Fort Conraadsburg),
Komenda (Fort Vrendenbourgh),
British Komenda,
Shama (St. Sebastian),
English Secondi,
Dutch Secondi (Fort Orange),
Takoradi (Fort Witsen),
Butri (Fort Batenstein),
Dixcove, kwidi (Fort Dorethea),
Fort Duma, Takrama (Fort Louise),
Princes Town (Gross Frederichsburg/Fort Hollandia),
Fort Ruychaver, Axim (Fort St. Anthony),
Ankobra (Elise Carthago),
Beyin.
We could inwards a way regard the whole set of forts as well as castles as well as merchandise lodges inwards Republic of Ghana equally a sort of huge shopping street - shopping street of a few government-sponsored trading companies which did non sell for money so much equally for merchandise goods from Africa - a sort of barter merchandise therefore. Although nosotros should non forget that nosotros did take hold hither on the coast a currency inwards the shape of aureate dust.
The diverse establishments of the European companies, the chartered companies, vary greatly inwards importance, ranging from the large castles - inwards fact at that spot are only 3 castles inwards Ghana; Elmina, which was the headquarters of the Portuguese, after the Dutch; Cape Coast Castle, built past times the British; Christiansborg Castle hither inwards Accra, built past times the Danes. Those large castles had several hundred large guns, large garrisons, commercial officials as well as authorities officials as well as at a. after stage, the existent craftsmen. There was a considerable number of castle slaves also - often craftsmen themselves. In many respects these large castles tin live seen equally mini-cities genuinely but depression inwards the scale nosotros take hold the ordinary forts. And fifty-fifty the Prussian headquarters at Gross Frederichsburg, at Princes Town, was never called anything other than a fort. Of course of instruction it was much smaller than the other 3 castles. These forts often had upwards to virtually l guns, a commercial as well as armed forces commander united inwards 1 person, with a few soldiers as well as few officials for commerce. Then finally at that spot was a large number of so-called lodges which were mostly manned only past times civil assistants non past times existent fighters. Often they were only occupied when ships came to anchor for trade as well as they mostly had only rudimentary forms of defense forcefulness with 1 bastion, 2 or 3 guns, or the rather peculiar instance of the Dutch lodge at Mount Congh, at nowadays called Queen Ann's Point, close Cape Coast, virtually which it was reported at the halt of the 17th century: �We take hold hither 1 homo with an axe.�
Why did the forts as well as castles fountain upwards hither inwards Republic of Ghana inwards such keen density, 1 may ask. There are several reasons for this as well as 1 of the to a greater extent than of import is perhaps but of geography. Both E as well as westward of Republic of Ghana - the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire as well as into Togo, Dahomey as well as Nigeria expanse - nosotros take hold only depression sandy coasts backed past times a scheme of lagoons with to a greater extent than often than non rather unsafe surf; no natural harbours; whereas only inwards this expanse from the Volta to roughly Cape Three Points nosotros take hold this quite different type of coast with many natural harbours - piffling bays as well as coves with promontories rattling useful for edifice forts which were aiming at defending the sea-roads inwards forepart of a sure as shooting expanse which was developed equally a trading area. Then some other payoff of the Gold Coast was that aureate was found as well as mined at fairly unopen distance from the coast, which nosotros don't observe either E or west. Furthermore, inwards the menses inwards which the forts were built - betwixt the 15th as well as 18th centuries - Europe had an insatiable demand for gold. Finally, perhaps 1 of the most of import reasons that so many forts were built, is that so many companies could settle hither yet none of these European nations colonized the Gold Coast equally they did other parts of the world. This tin partially live explained past times the fact that African society hither was but too good organized already before the arrival of the Europeans to allow but the taking into possession, equally happened for instance inwards many parts of America. In fact the African chiefs, coastal chiefs, as well as the traders from the interior to the coast, were rattling quick to recognize the advantages of this competition betwixt the diverse European companies.
So Republic of Ghana has indeed a fairly unique history if y'all facial expression at the full general colonial history of the world, because this is 1 of the rarer areas where for 300 years European as well as non-Europeans had been trading basically on a pes of equality. And fifty-fifty afterwards, inwards the 19th century, inwards the keen era of imperialism, at that spot was genuinely no room inwards Republic of Ghana for the type of colonial exploitation that nosotros observe inwards such areas equally the Congo. The famous Fante Bond of 1844 is indeed 1 of the earliest types inwards Africa of a modern independence movement. These forts as well as castles did inwards fact give a feel of security to both Europeans as well as Africans. To the African they gave the security that the Europeans were non probable to �break out� from their forts. But on the other hand, past times treaty also, Europeans were compelled to come upwards to the defense forcefulness of the coastal states inwards which they established these forts inwards instance these states were attacked from the interior. I must of course of instruction telephone telephone your attending to the fact that the Europeans did non ever come upwards to their aid, specially hither inwards Accra at the fourth dimension of Akwamu invasions, Akim invasions, Asante invasions, against which Europeans, inwards spite of all these beautiful treaties didn't do anything. Perhaps the forts as well as castles also, to a considerable extent satisfied the �Territorial Imperative�, to utter with the words of Ardrey of the Europeans themselves. They did experience a sure as shooting sort of security within those walls of forts as well as castles which were genuinely built on territory they only rented from the local chiefs. Finally, the local chiefs also brought of their ain gratis volition many of their so-called palavers to the castles as well as forts, known inwards Fante equally Aban. The Aban became the basis of after politics inwards Republic of Ghana as well as at that spot is still, inwards Fante the give-and-take Aban, used to delineate �government.� Such informal jurisdiction developed specially inwards the early on stages inwards Elmina; after inwards as well as around Axim; as well as of course of instruction at that spot is the famous instance of the 1830s of Governor Maclean who did the same thing around Cape Coast as well as so into the interior.
So to summarize my introduction I think it is a flake shortsighted to say virtually the forts as well as castles - �Well it may live a tourist attraction of Republic of Ghana but let's non stress it too much because they are just European leftovers of colonial days.� The forts as well as castles tin with sufficient reason, to some extent, live regarded non only equally monuments to the slave merchandise because they were used for slave trade, but also to a long history, a long tradition of Ghanaian independence. Surprisingly as well as paradoxically equally it may sound, they could live regarded to some extent fifty-fifty equally monuments of liberty - monuments at least, of equality. (If y'all disagree delight allow me know inwards the query hour!)
Something virtually the mutual characteristics nosotros observe inwards the diverse forts as well as castles which of course of instruction individually are quite different yet nosotros tin recognize some basic features. Generally the basic pattern is a foursquare surrounded past times drape walls which halt inwards pointed bastions. Within this foursquare of drape walls as well as bastions are built 1 or sometimes to a greater extent than than one, to a greater extent than often than non 2 storied buildings; inwards the bigger forts sometimes 3 stories or a tower. Also inwards virtually all the forts nosotros find, below the key square, the cisterns, or inwards smaller courts, 1 cistern. The ground flooring of the forts as well as castles is to a greater extent than often than non used for storerooms - at that spot is no ventilation on the outside, only on the within - or for rooms for the garrison for the lower officials. The top flooring is for residence for high officials, for officers, as well as for the �palaver halls� which nosotros observe inwards most forts as well as castles. The bastions are sometimes solid, similar the drape wall, but also often nosotros observe hollow bastions which were used for instance equally pulverization magazines, or inwards the days of the slave merchandise - as well as I demand non tell y'all that slave merchandise was developed rather belatedly hither compared to other parts of Africa - these hollow bastions were often used for slave prisons or slave holds.
Now most of the forts were greatly expanded, specially inwards the 18th century. At a after phase they developed so-called spurs. These were outer walls forming a sort of triangle inwards forepart of the main gate. Sometimes they became virtually a portion of the fort equally they did at Cape Coast or Dixcove. Other times they were but sparse walls surrounding service areas which inwards instance of state of war were also used to provide shelter for the towns-people against invading enemies. Sometimes these spurs became rattling big, bigger than the fort itself, equally nosotros take hold for instance inwards Apam as well as inwards little forts where merchandise did non develop rattling good as well as where the Europeans decided to utilization these forts to a greater extent than equally service forts rather than merchandise forts. So nosotros observe a large carpentry shop, a truthful cat yard, equally nosotros take hold at Elmina as well as other Dutch forts, yards where civet cats were reared who produced a sort of liquid which was rattling of import for the perfume industry. The cisterns played a rattling of import role non only for the provide of drinking H2O to the inhabitants of the fort but specially for provide of drinking H2O to passing ships, because these forts were non only merchandise forts but were also provide forts. They were stations midway inwards the long voyage that the ships made. Ships were often serviced close the ports themselves where at that spot was a sort of natural harbour. And castle gardens supplied fresh vegetables as well as fruits for the crews of the ships. Again inwards the days of slave merchandise large quantities of millet as well as corn, equally good equally palm oil, were also bought locally.
Then I shall assay to live equally brief equally possible on this most complicated land of study - �a brief history� of the forts as well as castles, where I may refer to books as well as booklets on the subject. Of course of instruction the first off fort was Elmina, built inwards 1482 past times the Portuguese. The Portuguese as well as Castilian had a tradition of fighting Islam since, inwards fact, the eighth Century A.D. By the middle of the 15th century the success of the Portuguese as well as the Castilian against Islam inwards the Iberian Peninsula was quite great. By the middle of the 15th century an of import trial took spot when, inwards the finally Christian outpost inwards the east, the metropolis of Constantinople was taken past times the Turks. It is genuinely from that appointment that nosotros regard specially the Portuguese getting keen on discovering a sea route to the Indies around the coast of Africa - the piece of work of Prince Henry the Navigator.
So inwards 1471 the first off Europeans arrived hither on the Republic of Guinea Coast, an event, which inwards fact, 2 years agone was celebrated with a special historical conference. Hardly x years later, 1481, Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated with the local main at Elmina for the construction of a fort - San Jorge d'Elmina. The hollo of the main with whom Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated is Caraman�a. This Caraman�a is often said to take hold been 1 of the first off chiefs of Elmina, past times hollo of Kwamena Ansah. Very nice, but modern historians to a greater extent than or less concur that past times 1482 at that spot were non yet whatever Fante on this coast. So how come upwards that inwards 1482 the �chief of Elmina� had a Fante name? Somehow it doesn't fit! Now inwards a 17th century booklet written for Louis XIV to back upwards some claims he thought to take hold on the Gold Coast, nosotros observe the description of these earliest contracts of d'Azambuja with non only Caraman�a but also �another Mansa�. This is quite interesting because mansa is also a sort of Mande or Arab championship for traders. So developed this to a greater extent than modern thought that genuinely the spelling of Caraman�a inwards Portuguese was perhaps a flake misleading, that it was genuinely Kara Mansa - a mansa named Kara - who negotiated with Diogo d'Azambuja. This would create the early on history of Elmina much clearer as well as much to a greater extent than understandable because at that spot is also this confusion virtually the root of the give-and-take �Elmina�. El is a particle, but inwards Spanish, non inwards Portuguese, as well as the Castilian had never had anything to do here. Elmina people would say, �the mine�. But that would live H5N1 Mina. In Arabic, on the other hand, nosotros take hold Mina pregnant �the port� as well as that does create sense. When the Portuguese arrived hither they found 1 mansa called Kara as well as when they asked him �what is the hollo of this place?� he replied, �the port - El Mina�. And that is why the Portuguese named the spot Elmina as well as non H5N1 Mina. Moreover at that spot were aureate mines but at a considerable distance from Elmina, non at Elmina itself. It also explains perhaps why the Portuguese went out straightaway to build such a large castle. Of course of instruction the original castle was non equally large equally the nowadays 1 but fifty-fifty the original one, which nosotros observe inwards that portion which is around the old courtyard - the little courtyard - was of considerable size. The architects when they facial expression at it take hold often been struck past times the fact that it looks so much similar a crusaders' castle - �krak�- inwards the Middle East. And it is rattling good possible that the Portuguese, arriving hither for the first off time, coming together Muslim traders, thought that inwards fact the keen Islamic Empire of northern Africa extended equally far equally this portion of the coast. They hence decided to build a crusaders' castle to constitute themselves firmly as well as to christianize the people around them. For which purpose indeed they set out straightaway.
Only after on they discovered they had built rather too large a castle for the unproblematic purpose of trade. Indeed the next 2 forts they built at Axim as well as at Shama, at natural outlets of the aureate merchandise of the Ankobra River as well as the Pra River, were much to a greater extent than modest inwards size. Also inwards 1482 it was only 30 years after the autumn of Constantinople inwards 1453 as well as it is known that past times that fourth dimension the western European Christians were deeply impressed past times the heavy cannon the Turks had used to breach the walls of Constantinople. Again nosotros recognize something of this at Elmina Castle where silent nosotros have, on the ground side, the northwest bastion which is indeed quite formidable. The Portuguese in all probability did facial expression at whatever fourth dimension after the construction of the fort that the Turks would march upwards with their keen field-cannon.
During the 16th century nosotros observe the first off signs of competition coming from the French as well as English linguistic communication traders who tried to penetrate inwards this official monopoly expanse of the Portuguese as well as at that fourth dimension it became necessary for the Portuguese to build defences to the seaward rather than to the landward. It appeared presently that the feared Muslims would non march upwards to drive them out as well as equally a affair of fact relationships with the Africans became quite friendly. Elmina itself even, shortly after the establishment of the castle, got Portuguese metropolis rights. But the greatest occupation presently seemed to live the competition on the sea - how to hold away these competitors from other parts of Europe. And so nosotros regard Elmina castle extending toward the sea with a whole novel courtyard as well as with heavy guns roofing the Elmina Roads. We observe the same thing inwards Axim now, a bastion pointing toward the sea, as well as inwards Shama. The competition of the English linguistic communication as well as the French was non equally unsafe equally that of the Dutch inwards the after 16th century because the Dutch decided to revolt against their overlords Philip II of Spain, as well as that when the Dutch were the main suppliers of merchandise goods to the Portuguese. They traditionally were redistributors of trade-goods coming from Asia as well as Africa to Lisbon from where they redistributed them all over the ease of Europe. But they sold at the same fourth dimension to the Portuguese traders inwards monastic tell to sell in 1 trial again overseas their manufactured products such equally cloth, which played a rattling of import role inwards the overseas trade. All that sort of broke upwards inwards a few years, at the halt of the 16th century - the Portuguese monopoly on the Gold Coast. Not only did the Dutch revolt against their overlord, the manlike individual monarch of Spain, inwards 1580 Kingdom of Spain as well as Portugal were also united nether 1 crown with the outcome that Portugal also became officially the enemy of the Dutch.
After 1580 nosotros regard Dutch transportation on the Gold Coast increment enormously. The Dutch were able to provide goods at a lower cost than the Portuguese as well as past times 1612 finally 1 of the local chiefs, the 1 of Asebu; broke the spell past times openly inviting the Dutch, sending inwards fact 2 ambassadors to The Netherlands to enquire the Dutch to build a fort at Mori. This fort unfortunately has nearly completely disappeared although nosotros tin silent regard some ruins of which the most striking characteristic perhaps is the keen quantity of Dutch bricks nosotros observe inwards the walls. Because traditionally the Dutch built inwards bricks, as well as moreover this was the first off fourth dimension they had built exterior of The Netherlands inwards fact they thought it safer to convey the edifice stuff from The Netherlands rather than to rely on the local people who equally yet were non fully dependable to the Dutch - equally officially they had treaties with the Portuguese. Soon they began to extend their influence. In 1624, shortly after the establishment of the Dutch West Indian Company they made a treaty with a main of a so newly arrived grouping of Fantes - a treaty which did non rattling much impress, apparently, this chief, Ambro-Braffo, of the Borbor-Fante; inwards 1631 they made a similar treaty with the English linguistic communication who had established themselves at Kormantin. With the growing Dutch as well as also the English linguistic communication competition the Portuguese were finding it rattling hard to larn their aureate as well as made some attempts to mine aureate themselves inwards a colina close Komenda - Abrobi Hill - an sweat which ended inwards total disaster. The mine collapsed as well as shortly afterwards they tried in 1 trial again inwards the interior, inwards the Ankobra Valley at the confluence of the Duma as well as Ankobra Rivers where in 1 trial again it is said they were surprised past times an earthquake which I believe is an erroneous interpretation because from some enquiry I conducted, perhaps they did observe aureate but also some silvery or electrum, which was a sign inwards traditional Akan mining that the spirits were against them as well as that is in all probability the ground why they all of a abrupt interrupted the ease of their activities. In 1637 the Dutch made, from Brazil, their concluding keen assault, after a few failures of before days, on the Portuguese main castle at Elmina, putting their guns on Saint Iago Hill which they after fortified with Coenraadsburg Fort. Very shortly afterwards, inwards 1642, the Portuguese were completely expelled from the whole Gold Coast. However the Dutch had never had equally much a monopoly equally the Portuguese had had because already nosotros take hold seen the English linguistic communication had established themselves at Kormantin as well as rattling presently the Dutch found the occupation of competition from other nations often inwards the shape of so-called �interloper companies� the Dutch sailors who united unusual flags as well as tried to compete inwards that way with those who were involved inwards the official charter fellowship -the West Republic of Republic of India Company.
In the years betwixt 1648-1659 nosotros regard specially the activities of the notorious renegade official of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company, a Pole past times nativity called Caerlof. Caerlof who first off nether Swedish flag established a large number of merchandise lodges as well as forts, next door equally y'all tin say, to the existing Dutch forts, so returned to Europe, made utilization of the fact the King of Sweden got himself involved inwards a state of war with the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as returned to the Gold Coast a 2nd fourth dimension nether Danish flag as well as promptly �conquered� his ain establishments! In the halt the Dutch inherited dorsum from the Danes most of these merchandise posts. One of the major results of this episode was the proliferation of novel forts. Caerlof built a foundation for Cape Coast Castle - Carolusburg - originally named after Charles X, so King of Sweden; also a fort at Takoradi, Butri, Anomabu as well as at Osu, the foundation of modern Christiansborg Castle. The episode of Caerlof also led to that extraordinary episode of the Dutch Fort Ruychaver (excuse me for pronunciation) when the Dutch built rattling far inland, inwards fact virtually 40 miles from the coast, a little fort on the correct banking concern of the Ankobra inwards the middle of the richest aureate producing expanse known then, close modern Prestea, silent an of import mining town, where they did for sometime a profitable trade. But presently it appeared the merchandise post was much too isolated. The commander of the fort got into a palaver with some of the chiefs as well as inwards the halt saw no other solution, since he could non communicate chop-chop with the coast, than to blow his attackers, together with himself, up! Which was the untimely halt of Fort Ruychaver!
Again after the episode of Caerlof quietness did non finally for a long time; presently the Dutch had to confront some other competition That was when the English linguistic communication decided to set upwards store inwards a bigger way after the Restoration when the novel King of England, Charles II, with his friends, decided to dabble a flake inwards overseas expansion. The early on English linguistic communication companies had non been rattling successful but at nowadays they had total financial back upwards as well as of course, total political support. The outcome of this was that inwards 1664 having been annoyed on several occasions past times the Dutch, the English linguistic communication decided to send a surprise fleet non only to the Gold Coast but also to the Dutch possessions inwards America, nether 1 Admiral Holmes. Indeed they were taken past times surprise as well as many of the forts were taken with the exception of Elmina Castle of course. But the Dutch too had their surprise inwards store for the English linguistic communication because before the English linguistic communication could gear upwards themselves properly to ward off a counter-attack - all this took spot inwards official peace time! - the Dutch sent Admiral De Ruyter who chop-chop recovered most of the lost forts as well as also conquered the original English linguistic communication headquarters at Kormantin, leaving nevertheless to the English linguistic communication the old Swedish fort of Carolusburg at Cape Coast.
It's a rattling essential episode that happened inwards 1664-1665 as well as that affected also y'all Americans. Because it was inwards that same naval state of war that the Dutch also lost New Amsterdam which was named after the Duke of York, blood brother of Charles II, after James II, who played an of import role inwards overseas expansion equally I've said. So New Amsterdam became New York as well as inwards revenge the Dutch named the old English linguistic communication fort at Kormantin after Amsterdam - perhaps to create upwards for the loss of �New Amsterdam�! The Duke of York indeed continued to involvement himself inwards the African enterprise. It was he also who first off encouraged the striking of the famous Guineas, the aureate coins made of Republic of Guinea gold, which were so pure that inwards fact they became worth to a greater extent than than the official pound sterling. Until quite of late the English linguistic communication used the term �Guinea� to announce the equivalent of 21 shillings.
In 1672 the Africa merchandise was spot on a novel as well as sounder ground inwards England with the foundation of the Royal African Company which became the keen competitor of the Dutch West Indian Company inwards this portion of the world. It was this Royal Africa Company which also built hither inwards Accra, James Fort.
Again at that spot are few Americans who realize that James Fort as well as New York are genuinely named after the same person. As if the province of affairs wasn't complicated enough, inwards the 1680s nosotros larn in 1 trial again a novel land establishing itself - the Brandenburg African Company, inwards fact, some other Dutch interloper company, which established a fairly large fort at Princes Town as well as a few modest stations inwards Ahanta; highly annoying for the Dutch who upwards to that fourth dimension thought the Ahanta area, closest to the aureate producing area, was alone theirs. All this competition was bound to atomic number 82 to turmoil, also within the interior of the Gold Coast as well as this nosotros regard take spot indeed after 1690 when specially the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch got involved inwards their endlessly complicated serial of wars known equally the Komenda wars, centered around Komenda where both Dutch as well as English linguistic communication built a fort within shooting make of each other. Komenda was also described inwards a famous volume past times William Bosman which shows how this cut-throat competition non only led to a full general involvement of the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch inwards the politics of the immediate interior but also led to a gradual decline inwards the provide of gold. So that past times 1700 inwards fact the aureate merchandise was so much inwards decline that Europe had to facial expression also to the Gold Coast for that other keen �commodity� from Africa - commodity inwards quotation marks - slaves. It was only after 1700 that the slave merchandise became of import on the Gold Coast, which, past times the Portuguese as well as also for a long fourth dimension past times the Dutch, was ever regarded equally unfit for the slave trade. For slave merchandise y'all needed state of war as well as with state of war merchandise paths from the aureate mines to the coast could non remain open. We recognize this episode, the chapter of the slave trade, also the construction of the forts with the relatively novel extensions inwards the shape of hollow bastions, slave prisons, of which nosotros silent observe this notorious representative inwards Cape Coast Castle - the dungeons. Around 1700 also, although their competition continued to live unsuccessful, we've seen attempts of the French to penetrate - much feared past times the English linguistic communication as well as Dutch as well as the Danes as well as Brandenburgers. Though planned with keen grandeur cipher comes out of it but a little wooden fort which lasted only 2 years. In the belatedly 18th century nosotros observe silent a number of forts built at the extremes of the Gold Coast - the English linguistic communication at Beyin inwards Nzima area, the Danes at Keta, Ada, as well as also a little British fort at Prampram. But the keen historic menses of fort edifice was genuinely over past times that time.
In the 19th century nosotros regard in 1 trial again an alone novel evolution which inwards a way is dorsum to �square one�! The Portuguese started past times edifice defences mainly on the landside. We regard that it in 1 trial again became necessary to build defences on the landside, this fourth dimension against the invading Asante or, inwards the instance of Elmina, against the Fante, who were the keen enemies of Elminas. So around Cape Coast as well as Elmina nosotros regard inwards the 19th century the construction of a number of fortifications which are genuinely non meant for merchandise but purely for protection. In fact Coenraadsburg Fort, built inwards 1665, inwards the days of Holmes as well as De Ruyter, is the only fort which was built for defense forcefulness purposes as well as non for merchandise alongside the forts of Ghana. In the 19th century also nosotros observe some attempts for the foundation of plantations. But on the other manus the African trading elite became independent as well as nosotros regard established centers inwards such places equally Axim or Cape Coast or Sekondi of the grand houses of the first off independent African traders. The smaller forts began to autumn into decay. The castles themselves became at nowadays mainly authorities offices - rattling piffling merchandise is genuinely done at that spot - or regular army barracks. Cape Coast first off was actually, after the deviation of the Dutch inwards 1872, the uppercase of the Gold Coast. But inwards 1876 the English linguistic communication moved their uppercase to Accra as well as made Christiansborg the spot of authorities which is what it is upwards to this rattling day. Other forts are turned into post offices or ease houses but it's only inwards around 1950 the province begins in 1 trial again to go officially interested inwards these buildings as well as monuments. Now inwards the 1970s nosotros are getting to the phase where all these forts are beingness restored. In Cape Coast Castle a museum is going to opened upwards rattling soon, Elmina Castle volition live turned into a tourist hostel as well as most of the other forts volition serve equally ease houses.
I think it is nearly fourth dimension that I stop. But silent I would similar to say a few words . . . �Stop looking at your watch!� . . . a few words virtually life inwards as well as around the forts because that is something which people visiting these places don't ever realize - what was life genuinely similar inwards these forts.
They are sometimes called ships permanently at anchor inwards the days of the companies. The whole organisation of social life inwards the forts was rattling much similar that on a ship. Very important, key for the fort, was the flag - rattling essential that the flag was hoisted rattling early on inwards the forenoon as well as lowered belatedly at night. And also, if y'all were a trader, to create sure as shooting that y'all went to the correct place. Between Cape Coast as well as Anomabu y'all had v forts of 2 or 3 different nations. If y'all were just one-half a mile incorrect y'all could facial expression to live shot at past times the enemy. So it was indeed essential that y'all clearly showed yourself past times your colours. That is also why y'all observe on those old engravings those unbelievable large pieces of textile hanging over these forts.
Life inwards the fort was furthermore similar on ship - regulated past times bells as well as the threescore minutes glass. Bells 1 may observe only inwards a few places silent extant but many of these forts silent take hold bell towers that are at nowadays empty - for instance the circular tower of Elmina Castle on the northeast side. Then rattling of import similar on ships was the firing of salutes. Every fourth dimension a ship arrived salutes were fired. It is interesting to know that some forts inwards fact had such first-class natural defences or were so unimportant that they take hold never fired anything but salutes. Places similar Butri had something similar 20 cannon but those cannon had never been used for anything other than firing salutes. The commercial as well as political hierarchy inwards the forts was parallel to as well as sometimes coincided with the armed forces hierarchy. Of the companies the West Indian Company was the most permanent - as well as personally I tin tell y'all to a greater extent than as well as I experience to a greater extent than confident on that land of study rather than on that of the Danish, High German or English linguistic communication companies. For the day-to-day authorities at Elmina the Director-General was assisted past times a Council consisting the main merchant, the financial bookkeeper-general, some main factors; as well as so he was assisted exterior Elmina past times factors as well as sub factors who commanded the modest forts. The council, consisting of the aforementioned, decided on policy of merchandise as well as full general politics also, equally much equally it involved making treaties with local chiefs. In fact the director-general as well as council did constitute a sort of existent authorities as well as had considerable power, much greater powerfulness than whatever modern trading fellowship acting inwards this country. Scribes of course of instruction had extremely hard piece of work before the days of the typewriter. All of import letters had to live made at to the lowest degree inwards triplo, 1 re-create for the local file, 1 re-create for the directors inwards Amsterdam - the so-called assembly of 10; as well as 1 re-create for 1 of the diverse chapters of the West Indian Company concerned. The Company was sub-divided inwards 5 chambers representing the major trading cities inwards the Netherlands. Also the communications with the Netherlands were extremely slow, specially the outwards send service from the Gold Coast to Europe which sometimes took to a greater extent than than 1� years because ships could non canvass but from the upper coast to the lower coast with the electrical flow as well as the prevailing winds. All of y'all take hold been swimming sometimes inwards the sea hither as well as know that the electrical flow is ever from the westward to the east. When y'all are looking at the airdrome all the planes are ever taking off against the nearly permanent western winds. So letters from Gold Coast to the Netherlands had to go all the way to the West Indies as well as sometimes to North America before they reached home.
And so for instance I sometimes found references to well-known events - for instance to the expiry of Queen Ann which I believe was inwards 1714, which was commemorated inwards a alphabetic character written inwards 1718 because that was the first off fourth dimension they had heard she died - after to a greater extent than than 3 years! Another incident which is interesting to annotation how essential it was indeed to canvass from the westward to the E non the E to the westward - inwards 1641 when the Dutch tried to conquer Axim, where, the Portuguese were silent holding out after the Dutch had captured Elmina they sent a little fleet - unwisely inwards the rainy flavor when the winds as well as the electrical flow are strongest - inwards monastic tell to capture Axim. But after 4� weeks the commander of this fleet decided to homecoming because he had reached only Takoradi!
Furthermore social life at the forts must take hold been extremely dull really. The only way of amusing oneself was drinking as well as that is in all probability what has also given the Republic of Guinea Coast the hollo �white man's grave�! - non that the climate was so unhealthy but that people drank themselves to death! Life was extremely, severely regulated. The gates of the castle closed at nighttime at seven; the drawbridges, if they were there, were drawn up. And yet all these preventive measures, did non forbid the ascent of a mulatto class. Of course of instruction 1 should non live too hard on the men of those days because at that spot were rattling few European women around as well as those that did come upwards either died or were indeed hardly attractive equally I empathise from descriptions. These women sometimes occupied their gratis time, as well as they had lots of gratis time, with the distribution of large quantities of bibles which I'm afraid were non rattling much read! There were of course of instruction attempts to constitute schools inwards the castles, specially at Cape Coast as well as Elmina but in 1 trial again it was non rattling successful as well as to my surprise, fifty-fifty inwards modern works on Ghanaian education, this is stressed far more, these early on failures of the early on castle schools, than the much to a greater extent than of import preparation which was given inwards the courtyards - these workshops where many Africans were trained inwards such useful crafts equally carpentry, ship repairing, as well as gardening. Gardening in 1 trial again was mainly done for the inhabitants of the forts or for the provide for the ships. But at to the lowest degree they had the effect inwards this ground that many novel crops were introduced, such equally tomatoes, maize, some people fifty-fifty say the ameliorate qualities of yam. And these must take hold originally come upwards from these castle gardens.
Well I've tried to remain within the boundary of time. I'm non sure as shooting how clear I've been but at to the lowest degree I hope I've been clear plenty to arouse some questions inwards you.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
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Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
| from: Van Dantzig, A, Het Nederlandse Aandeel inwards de Slawenhandel Fibula 1968 (in Dutch) Jan Pranger, "governor of the Gold Coast." In the background, an African servant. Through the window, inwards the distance, fort Coenraadsburgh is visible. Painting past times Frans van der Mijn, 1742 credit Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam |
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
- van Kessel, I (ed.) Merchants, Missionaries & Migrants: 300 years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations. Kit Publishers & Sub-Saharan Publishers, 2002.
- Authors: E. Kusruri, D. Kpobi, D.K. Arhinful, H. van der Zee, A. Pakosie, J.J. Vrij, N. Everts, V.K. Nyanteng,
- In Nov 1701, David van Nyendael, an envoy of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company (WIC) was the first off European to see the royal courtroom inwards Kumasi, uppercase of the emerging Ashanti empire inwards the hinterland of the Gold Coast. Three hundred years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations take hold passed since then.
- Merchants, Missionaries as well as Migrants � 300 years of Dutch � Ghanaian Relations focuses on diverse aspects of the long-standing as well as intricate economic, political, cultural as well as human ties - past as well as present- between Ghanaians as well as Dutchmen.
- Experts from Ghana, the Netherlands, Surinam as well as Republic of Indonesia nowadays their enquiry findings on these issues. These fascinating histories deserve a broad audience. They delineate a broad make of topics from Dutch-Ghanaian history: from the merchandise inwards gold, ivory as well as slaves to the cocoa trade; from liaisons betwixt European men as well as African women inwards previous centuries to present-day Ghanaian migration to the Netherlands; from the involuntary migration of x of thousands of slaves to the plantations inwards Surinam to the piffling known history of the African soldiers who sailed from Elmina to serve inwards the Dutch regular army inwards the East Indies; as well as from the role of Dutch genever in Ghanaian ritual to the dramatic life story of Jacobus Capitein, the first off dark Christian government minister to live ordained inwards the Netherlands.
- Yarak, Larry W, Asante as well as the Dutch 1744-1873 Clarendon Press Oxford 1990 (quotations as well as notes)
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
9 sika sene, biribi nsen bio: Wealth surpasses everything sika ne ohene: money is king
44 Elmina to Kumasi 10 -12 days
95 In add-on to an overriding concern to go on Dutch domination of the Akan merchandise inwards exported gold, a major incentive for the Dutch to expand their commercial as well as armed forces presence inwards West Africa was the want to facilitate the procurement of slaves for the carbohydrate plantations of the New World. In 1734 the West Indian Company lost its monopoly to gratis Dutch traders inwards the slave merchandise equally access to the forts was opened to gratis Dutch traders. The company's direct participation inwards the slave merchandise ended presently thereafter equally private trading companies such equally the Middelburgsche Commercie Compagne assumed the chore of supplying the Dutch plantations inwards the Caribbean.
100 From 1735 until its dissolution inwards 1791 the West Indian company's activities on the Gold Coast were limited to those of an officially sanctioned direction trunk overseeing the staffing as well as physical maintenance of the Dutch forts. However, it remained the responsibleness of their personnel at the coast to regard to it that sufficient slaves were available for purchase past times the gratis Dutch traders inwards substitution for licensing fees as well as a duty on each slave purchased at the forts. Moreover, from 1754 fellowship employees were allowed to engage inwards private merchandise spell carrying out their official duties inwards the forts, a do that would go on good into the 19th century.
100 Dutch slave exports peaked inwards the 1760s when a total of some 70000 slaves were loaded onto Dutch ships. In Oct 1771 -- during previous 12 months 1500-1600 slaves were exported from Elmina. Annual average for 1770s 4900
- Summary : This study is based on the records of the Dutch coastal administration's Council of Senior Officials, roofing the menses betwixt 1815-1830. They provide fascinating as well as often vivid glimpses into otherwise obscure conditions of life. At a to a greater extent than analytical level, however, these records document important aspects of social tension within Elmina's shape structure. The cases dealt with involve theft, as well as murder, attempted murder of conspiracy to commit murder. Notes.
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana https://haftshappenings.blogspot.com/search?q=ghana-fort-elmina-1522-beter.jpg" width="640" />
These motives prompted the Portuguese to develop the Republic of Guinea trade. They made gradual progress downward the African coast, each voyage reaching a betoken farther along than the last. After l years of coastal exploration, the Portuguese finally reached Elmina inwards 1471, during the reign of King Afonso V. However, because Portuguese royalty had lost involvement inwards African exploration equally a outcome of meager returns, the Republic of Guinea merchandise was spot nether the oversight of the Portuguese trader, Fernão Gomes. Upon reaching nowadays twenty-four hours Elmina, Gomes discovered a thriving aureate merchandise already established alongside the natives as well as visiting Arab as well as Berber traders. He established his ain trading post, as well as it became known to the Portuguese equally “A Mina” (the Mine) because of the aureate that could live found there.
Trade betwixt Elmina as well as Portugal grew throughout the decade next the establishment of the trading post nether Gomes. In 1481, the of late crowned João II decided to build a fort on the coast inwards monastic tell to ensure the protection of this trade, which was in 1 trial once again held equally a royal monopoly. King João sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on x caravels as well as 2 carry ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent, inwards pre-fitted form, along with provisions for 6 hundred men. Under the command of Diogo de Azambuja, the fleet set canvass on 12 Dec 1481 as well as arrived at Elmina, inwards a hamlet called Of Two Parts[1] a piffling over a calendar month later, on 19 Jan 1482. Some historians annotation that Christopher Columbus was alongside those to create the voyage to the Gold Coast with this fleet.
Upon arrival, Azambuja contracted a Portuguese trader, who had lived at Elmina for some time, to adjust as well as translate an official coming together with the local chief, Kwamin Ansah (interpreted from the Portuguese, "Caramansa"). Concealing his self-interest with elegant manners as well as friendliness, Azambuja told the main of the keen advantages inwards edifice a fort, including protection from the rattling powerful manlike individual monarch of Portugal. During the meeting, Azambuja as well as Chief Kwamin Ansah both participated inwards a massive peace ritual that included a feast, live musicians, as well as many participants, both Portuguese as well as native. Chief Kwamin Ansah, spell accepting Azambuja, equally he had whatever other Portuguese trader who arrived on his coast, was wary of a permanent settlement. However, with theatre plans already inwards place, the Portuguese would non live deterred. After offering gifts, making promises, as well as hinting at the consequences of noncompliance, the Portuguese finally received Kwamin Ansah's reluctant agreement.
When construction began the next morning, the chief’s reluctance was proved to live well-founded. In monastic tell to build the fort inwards the most defensible spot on the peninsula, the Portuguese had to demolish the homes of some of the villagers, who consented only after they had been compensated. The Portuguese also tried to quarry a nearby stone that the people of Elmina, who were animists, believed to live the spot of the god of the nearby River Benya. Prior to the demolition of the quarry as well as homes, Azambuja sent a Portuguese crew member, João Bernaldes with gifts to deliver to Chief Kwamin Ansah as well as the villagers. Azambuja sent brass basins, shawls, as well as other gifts inwards hopes of winning the goodwill of the villagers, so they would non live upset during the demolition of their homes as well as sacred rocks. However, João Bernaldes did non deliver the gifts until after construction began, past times which fourth dimension the villagers became upset upon witnessing the demolition without forewarning or compensation.In response to this, the local people forged an onrush that resulted inwards several Portuguese deaths. Finally, an understanding was reached, but continued opposition led the Portuguese to burn downward the local hamlet inwards retaliation. Even inwards this tense atmosphere, the first off story of the tower was completed after only 20 days; this was the outcome of having brought so much prefabricated edifice materials. The residue of the fort as well as an accompanying church building were completed presently afterward, despite resistance.
The fort was the first off pre-cast edifice to take hold been planned as well as executed inwards Sub-Saharan Africa. Upon its completion, Elmina was established equally a proper city. Azambuja was named governor, as well as King João added the championship "Lord of Guinea" to his noble titles. São Jorge da Mina took on the armed forces as well as economical importance that had previously been held past times the Portuguese manufacturing flora at Arguim Island on the southern border of the Moorish world. At the tiptop of the aureate merchandise inwards the early on sixteenth century, 24,000 ounces of aureate were exported annually from the Gold Coast, accounting for one-tenth of the world’s supply.
The novel fort, signifying the permanent involvement of Europeans inwards West Africa, had a considerable effect on Africans living on the coast. At the urging of the Portuguese, Elmina declared itself an independent province whose Governor so took command of the town’s affairs. The people of Elmina were offered Portuguese protection against attacks from neighboring coastal tribes, with whom the Portuguese had much less genial relations (even though they were friendly with the powerful trading nations inwards the African interior.) If whatever tribe attempted to merchandise with a land other than Portugal, the Portuguese reacted with aggressive force, often past times forming alliances with the betraying nation’s enemies. Hostility betwixt tribes increased, as well as the traditional organisation of tribal societies suffered, especially after the Portuguese introduced them to fire-arms, which made the ascendance of the stronger tribes easier.
Trade with the Europeans helped create sure as shooting goods, such equally cloth as well as beads, to a greater extent than available to the coastal people, but European involvement also disrupted traditional merchandise routes betwixt coastal people as well as northern tribes past times cutting out the African middlemen. The population of Elmina swelled with traders from other towns hoping to merchandise with the Portuguese, who gradually established a west-African monopoly.
By the seventeenth century, most merchandise inwards West Africa concentrated on the sale of slaves. São Jorge da Mina played a important portion inwards the Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle acted equally a depot where slaves were bought inwards bartering fashion from local African chiefs as well as kings. The slaves, often captured inwards the African interior past times the slave-catchers of coastal tribes, were sold to Portuguese traders inwards substitution for goods such equally textiles as well as horses. The slaves were held captive inwards the castle before exiting through the castle’s infamous “Door of No Return” to live transported as well as resold inwards newly colonized Brazil as well as other Portuguese colonies.
In 1637 the fort was taken over past times the Dutch, who made it the uppercase of the Dutch Gold Coast. During the menses of Dutch control, they built a new, smaller fortress on a nearby colina to protect St. George Castle from inland attacks. This fort was called Fort Coenraadsburg. The Dutch continued the triangular Atlantic slave route until 1814, when they abolished the slave trade, pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. In 1872 the British took over the Dutch territory pursuant to the Anglo-Dutch Sumatra treaties of 1871.
The castle was extensively restored past times the Ghanaian authorities inwards the 1990s. Renovation of the castle continues. The span leading into the castle is 1 of the highest priority tasks inwards the project. As of August 2006, the span renovation has been completed as well as construction on the upper terraces continues.
ELMINA, EDINA AND THE DUTCH
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- Anquandah, J, Castles as well as Forts of Ghana, Republic of Ghana Museums & Monuments Board/Atalante, undated: 2000? ( with fine photographs past times Thierry Secretan)
- 59 (of Elmina Castle, quoting Jean Barbot, 1682): This castle has justly go famous for beauty as well as strength, having no equal on all the coasts of Guinea. Built foursquare with rattling high walls of dark chocolate-brown stone so rattling theatre that it may live said to live cannon-proof. On the ground side it has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O sufficient for the utilization of the garrison as well as the ships - canals cutting inwards the stone past times the Portuguese (by blowing upwards the stone piffling past times piffling with gunpowder. The warehouses either for goods or provisions are rattling largely as well as stately ever good furnished."
- Arhin, Kwame (ed.) The Cape Coast as well as Elmina Handbook: Past, nowadays as well as future, Inst. of African Studies, University of Ghana, 1995.Chapter One CAPE COAST AND ELMINA IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, Kwame Arhin
SECTION 2 ELMINA
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
10 The Dutch paid rents or goodwill money on the Castle ground successively to the local authorities, to Denkyera as well as Asante. . . The Dutch also had recourse to local women, produced children as well as built human bridges betwixt the stranger as well as host races. . . they supported their hosts, though only with ammunition, inwards their wars with their neighbours. . . .In the eighteenth as well as nineteenth centuries the Dutch cemented their alliance with Asante; non only through payment of "kostgeld," but also through the periodic substitution of presents which enriched Asante stuff culture. . . the basic indigenous economies of the trading centres were overlaid with occupations relating to the establishment of the European trading-fort. The basic elements of the indigenous economic scheme were cultivation, line-fishing as well as salt-making. In due course of instruction traders from the due north as well as overseas did business organisation inwards the market-place as well as at the houses inwards the village, as well as tillage as well as line-fishing advanced beyond subsistence: Cape Coast as well as Elmina were alongside the earliest centres of money economic scheme inwards the territories at nowadays embraced past times modern Ghana.
11 . . . The traditional socio-political organisation of Elmina was strongly modified past times its frontier as well as trading status. The basis construction was 1 of matrilineage localized inwards wards, whose heads, united inwards a constituted council, as well as led past times 1 of them, acted equally the supreme potency of the town as well as its subordinate or satellite villages. Headship of the Council was custom-determined inwards favour of the manlike individual descendants of the founder of the town who, alongside the Akan, are known equally the aristocrats/royals, adehyee. Headships of wards as well as villages are similarly determined, spell such offices equally those of spokesmen, akyeame, are vested inwards sure as shooting matrilineages.
- 7 Early European accounts of the hamlet delineate the occupations of the inhabitants equally . . . agriculture, cattle rearing as well as poultry; palmwine tapping; common salt making; trading; brokerage betwixt the forts as well as inland traders. . . Some of the traders were major entrepreneurs who bought slaves purveyed past times the Portuguese traders from other parts of West Africa as well as used them for porterage inwards the merchandise inwards aureate as well as ivory inwards the wood as well as forest-savanna fringe areas. . . In the eighteenth century, the expansionist Asante kingdom used Elmina equally their main trading centre. . . . The special relations with Elmina began with the Asante capture of the annotation for "Kostgeld", rent or goodwill money, from Denkyera inwards 1700-01, as well as were reflected inwards the Asante-Dutch alliance which lasted from 1699-1872 . . . To the Asante as well as other peoples trading at Elmina, the trading centre was both an outlet for their gold, ivory as well as slaves as well as a source of unusual items of stuff civilisation as well as techniques that could advance their ain technologies.
- Hyland, A. D. C.. Chapter Two THE CASTLES OF ELMINA AND CAPE COAST, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO TOWNS
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
This is the oldest surviving European edifice inwards the torrid zone . . . the castle which the Portuguese began to build inwards 1482 was substantially complete, to its original plan, past times 1486 . . . several years before Columbus crossed the Atlantic . . . or Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope as well as opened upwards the sea route to India.
14 . . . In 1637, the Dutch made their concluding onrush on Elmina. . . Finally on the August 28 or 29, 1637, the Portuguese surrendered as well as handed over the castle to the Dutch, who were to remain masters of Elmina for over 200 years. . . As presently equally the Dutch were established inwards Elmina, they set virtually improving the defences . . . as well as . . . repairing the considerable harm caused past times the bombardment.
15 . . . the colina of St. Jago was fortified . . . Named Coenraadsburg past times the Dutch, the Fort was completed past times 1666 . . .
16 Elmina was the first off town on the Gold Coast of whatever architectural pretension; silent situated on the narrow peninsula betwixt the Benya Lagoon as well as the sea, the older portion of the town, characterized past times its steeply pitched thatched roof houses, . . remained at that spot until it was razed to the ground past times the British inwards 1873. During the eighteenth century, the town was silent rattling dependent on the Castle . . . In the early on years of the century . . . the main block fronting the Great Court was remodelled; as well as after inwards the century, the Governor's spot inwards the southward tower was extended past times edifice a wing higher upwards the main entrance of the Castle.
17 (A) map of 1799 shows Elmina equally it was during the early on years of Governor Bartels' administration, at which fourth dimension Elmina reached the apogee of its prestige as well as prosperity. Carl Ludwig Bartels, who was governor from 1789-1804, had been inwards Dutch authorities service inwards Elmina for many years previously, as well as had built a substantial theatre inwards the old town, unopen to the river, for his married adult woman as well as household unit of measurement inwards 1786.
- 13 St. Georges Castle, Elmina
- Astley, Thomas (ed) H5N1 New General Collection of Voyages as well as Travels Vol II London 1745
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
398 Captain Thomas Phillips 1693. Fort of Mina. They took a walk before dinner virtually the Castle which is old as well as built upon a stone after the Portuguese fashion, from whom the Dutch plundered it. It had iv flankers as well as virtually 18 guns inwards all, those towards the sea practiced as well as long as well as some of them brass; the walls are pretty high as well as the Gate potent which faces the continent. In the midst of the fort is their warehouse, kitchen as well as lodgings of the soldiers, over which at that spot are 3 or iv little rooms for the Factors. A keen portion of the roof as well as wall of that wherein they dined was fallen down. For dinner they had some muscovy duck, kid, fish as well as store of other provision. What Phillips liked best was a Yam pudding which consume rattling gratefully, managed past times the French Doctor, with carbohydrate as well as orangish juice. They had plenty of Punch as well as Stummed Rhenish wine; but a drinkable called Kokoro, looking similar sparse whey, as well as is a sort of palm wine, he preferred to whatever other. He thought it drank similar mead or rather Verdy, or white Florence wine, equally they telephone telephone it at Livorno. Dinner beingness over as well as the King's health, the African Company's as well as theirs beingness drank, each with a salvo of screw? guns, they were invited to select a walk, where the Negroes used to dance, virtually a quarter of a mile from the fort nether 2 or 3 rattling large Cotton trees, of which their canoes are made. Seats as well as liquor beingness brought, presently after came the musick, beingness 3 dark fellows with the similar number of hollow elephant teeth, through which they made a hideous bellowing as well as were accompanied past times some other who shell a hollow slice of brass with a stick. Then came Mr. Rawlisson (Dutch factor from Axim) the factor's wife, a pretty immature Mulatto, with a rich silk cloth virtually her middle as well as a silk cap upon her head, flowered with aureate as well as silver, nether which her pilus was combed out at length. For the mulattos covet to vesture it so inwards mistaken of the whites, never curling it upwards or letting it friz equally the blacks do. She was attended past times the Second's as well as Doctor's wives, immature blacks virtually thirteen. After the English linguistic communication had saluted them they went to trip the low-cal fantastic past times turns, inwards a ridiculous manner, making antic gestures with their arms, shoulders as well as heads, their feet having the to the lowest degree percentage inwards the action. They began moderately, but quickened their motions past times degrees, till at the latter halt they appeared perfecftly furious as well as distracted. . . The Town is on the East side, containing virtually an hundred houses or huts, straight along the banks of a river which empties itself into the sea close the castle, at the oral fissure of which is a landing place. The Author saw higher upwards an hundred men as well as women with pails on the side of the river, who they told him were washing of sand as well as dirt inwards search of aureate dust.
399 Sukkandi: went ashore at the English linguistic communication castle where found Mr. Johnson inwards his bed raving mad, through resentment of an affront spot on him past times 1 Van Hukeline, the Copeman or merchant of the Mina Castle. . . One Taguba, a noted Negro wench inwards Cape Coast town, gotten with kid past times some of the soldiers of the castle, was brought to bed of a mulatto girl, who growing virtually 11 years old, this Johnson, so a factor at Cape Coast, had a keen fancy for her as well as purposed to select her for his married adult woman (as they select wives inwards Guinea. . . note, That is, during Pleasure) and beingness virtually that fourth dimension removed to live main Factor at Sekondi, inwards monastic tell to create sure as shooting of the girl, he took her at that spot to live with him, till she was of historic menses check for conjugal embraces, using her with much tenderness as well as taking keen satisfaction inwards her fellowship for 2 or 3 years. But when she was grown up, beingness a pretty girl, Vanhukeline, past times bribes as well as presents corrupted her woman parent Taguba. . . girl kidnapped. Johnson after murdered on orders of Vanhukeline (who presently cracked the nut Johnson had been so long cooking to his ain tooth). When Phillips dined with the Dutch General at the Mina, he saw her there, beingness brought to trip the low-cal fantastic before them, rattling fine, bearing the championship Madam Vanhukeline. This as well as some other old differences with the Dutchman, had quite turned his brain.
400 Cape Coast castle. Before their departure, Captain Shirley as well as he entertained the Agents, Factors as well as other officers at Dinner inwards a foursquare summerhouse which stands inwards the middle of the Castle grounds.
401 Bought Indian corn for provision of the slaves to Barbados. The allowance beingness a pectus which contains virtually iv bushes for every Negro. Palm Oil.
401 . . . both dined with him aboard, with their wives, who were Mulattos. This he says is a pleasant way of marrying, for they tin plough their wives off, as well as select other at Pleasure, which makes them rattling careful to sense of humour their husbands inwards washing their linen, cleaning their chambers etc as well as the accuse of keeping them is piffling or nothing.
402 Winneba. Filled some H2O as well as cutting practiced store of firewood past times the Queen's permission. Their Queen is virtually l years old, dark equally jet, but rattling corpulent. They went to pay their respects to her nether a keen tree where she sat. She received them rattling kindly as well as made her attendants trip the low-cal fantastic after their way before them. She was gratis of his kisses to Mr. . . whom she seemed much to esteem. They presented her with an anchor of brandy each as well as some hands of tobacco. She was so extremely civil before they parted equally to offering each of them a bedfellow of her immature Maids of Honour spell they continued there, but they modestly declined her majesty's offer.
Here the author saw many guinea hens as well as diverse other fowl but was pleased most with the herd of wild deer ranging the plains. He saw at to the lowest degree v hundred at once, but so wild, that they could shoot none. Here are likewise large baboons, some equally large equally keen mastiffs. They go l or an hundred together. They are unsafe to live met with, especially past times women, whom (as the Author was credibly assured) they often seize as well as ravish to expiry past times lying with them 1 after the other.
402 Akra. Phillips bought a v manus canoe of the Black General who had seized the Danes fort there. (1693) It seems it was surprised past times a packet of negros, privately armed, who got inwards nether the pretence of trade, and having stabbed his 2nd spell he was showing them the goods dispersed to secure all the other inwards the castle, a political party lying concealed without to assist them upon signal given. The General hearing the tumult came out of his sleeping accommodation sword inwards manus to regard what was the affair as well as was instantly assaulted past times 2 blacks against whom he made practiced his ground for some time, calling out for assistance. But no to a greater extent than coming as well as to a greater extent than blacks pressing on he flung himself out of a window as well as fled to the Dutch after he had received several wounds 1 of which had disabled his left arm.
This Black General (now go governor) sent 2 of his servants to invite Mr B1 as well as Mr. B2 as well as the Captain to dine. While they accepting, were carried inwards hammocks he had sent to attend them. The guard at the castle demanded their swords, which all delivered but Phillips who refused. The General having been acquainted with it, came as well as told him it was his custom. The other replied, that mightiness be, but it was never the custom of English linguistic communication commanders to portion with their swords upon whatever business organisation human relationship whatsoever. In which finding him resolute the General seeming satisfied led them inwards showing them the way into the Dining Room which was past times climbing a ladder as well as entering through a hole or scuttle. When they were ascended, he drank to them as well as all the guns inwards the fort were discharged. After they had walked virtually a quarter of an threescore minutes inwards the castle, Phillips pulled off his sword of his ain accord, which, he perceived the King took rattling kindly.
They were treated with plenty punch as well as victuals, which were pretty good dressed. For the governor had been ready to 1 of the English linguistic communication factories as well as at nowadays went rattling often into the kitchen to give the necessary orders. Though at dinner he was inwards keen state, having a negro man child with a pistol at each side of him for a guard. He drank the King of England's the African company's as well as his guests' healths ofttimes with volleys of cannon of which he fired virtually 200 during their remain there. The flag he was flight was white with a dark homo painted inwards the middle brandishing a scimitar. . . In their way dorsum to the English linguistic communication castle (4 miles to the west) they killed 4 hares with clubs. This vermin frequents inwards vast number the sedge as well as furzes which are hereabouts rattling thick. Phillips thought them rattling insipid meat. Next twenty-four hours arrived 2 Danish ships with 26 guns each sent on purpose from Kingdom of Denmark to care for with the Black General virtually surrendering the fort. . . which he delivered upwards (after bargaining) upon signing of an musical instrument to quit all pretension of reparation or satisfaction from the Black General or his Accomplices, for seizing the castle, equally also the merchandizes as well as goods, as well as l marks of aureate that were inwards it as well as to pay downward 50 to a greater extent than at the delivery.
Chap III Rev Fr. Godfrey Lovyer, a Jacobine. Abstract of a voyage to Iffini on the Gold Coast. (This must live the Nzima coast.) - The next twenty-four hours 7.6.21 they came to Cape Tres Puntas ...story of Kaboshir, John Conny, who broke the heads of some of the crew regarding payment for H2O inwards casks.
On an side past times side colina stood the Danish (or equally some say the Brandenburgers') fort which some few years since having been relinquished past times them as well as thereby fallen inwards John Conny's possession, has occasioned some contests betwixt him as well as the Dutch. These last, pretending a championship of purchase, inwards 1720 sent a bomb-vessel, as well as 2 or 3 frigates to demand a surrendering; but John beingness a bold as well as subtil fellow, weighing their strength, answered, that he expected some musical instrument should live shown him to confirm the Brandenburgers' sale; as well as fifty-fifty with that, says he, I tin seen no pretence but to the ground was non theirs to dispose of. They take hold paid me rent for it (continues he) as well as since they take hold thought check to remove, I do non blueprint to tenant it out to whatever other white men spell I live. This sort of Palaver nettled the British; who threw inwards some bombs as well as shot; then to a greater extent than inflamed with rage as well as brandy, rashly landed 40 of their men, nether command of their lieutenant, to onrush the Town. They fired in 1 trial without whatever harm as well as so John at the caput of his men, rushing from nether the cover of the houses with greater force, cutting them inwards pieces , paving the entrance of his spot presently after with their skulls. This payoff made him rattling exact with everybody virtually what he called his dues, though just inwards Trade. When the English linguistic communication had returned to a practiced understanding (about the H2O MIH) the author (Atkins) with some other officers paid him a visit. The southerly winds made so keen a surf, that their landing was unsafe non to live performed past times their ain boats, but past times the canoes of his sending, for which they paid an akki. The Negro count the seas as well as know when to paddle safely on or off. John himself stood on the shore to have them attended past times a guard of 20 or 30 men nether brilliant arms, who conducted him to his house. This was a pretty large edifice raised from the materials of the fort. It ascended with a double stone staircase without, of 12 steps. On that flooring are 3 practiced rooms, 1 his armoury, some other his chamber, with a standing bed inwards it, as well as the 3rd for amusement of guests, furnished with tables, chairs, etc.
450 The way to it lay through 2 courtyards, the outer had houses for officers as well as servants belonging to him. The inner (a spacious square) had a ground room as well as practiced armoury past times the entrance , with piazzas to accommodate his guard, as well as copy inwards some mensurate the grandeur of the Prussian governors with whom John had been a retainer for some years. From them he had taken inwards his punctilio, as well as knew how to spot on a important countenance. He was a potent made man, virtually fifty, of a sullen look, as well as commanded the observe of beingness bare headed from all the Negroes virtually him that were with caps.
565 plate LX H5N1 map of the Gold Coast, M D'Anville 1729
King of Asiante (very powerful) -> ground of Akanni (formerly rattling powerful as well as rich inwards aureate -> Abrambo/Kabesterra, Fetu kingdom -> St. George de Mina H. Conraedsburgh H. Ekki tekki or piffling Kommendo C.H.
Cape Coast shown equally Oegwa
Gt. Kommendo shown inland due north of Elmina.
589 Plate 61 Prospect of the coast from El Mina to Mourri from Barbot as well as Smith.
6 ships off Elmina. 4 to a greater extent than off Fort Royal at Manfrow (between Cape Coast as well as Mouri) Ships take hold 3 tall masts with long sparse flags flight at their heads. Inclined mast at each end. Large national flag higher upwards the deck at the stern. Picture of the Sun inscribed on the stern. Two rows of foursquare windows with 2 horizontal as well as 2 vertical bars. A. Negro canoas carrying slaves aboard at Manfrow. Three slaves inwards front, iv paddlers at rear, 1 steering. All stripped to the waist.
Prospect of St. Georges Castle at El Mina from Barbot as well as Dapper. View from the east, offshore. Castle has high walls, little beach below. Huge flag (three horizontal stripes) flight from post on top of steeple. Crossed on ridges of all the roofs. Village seen behind (to westward of castle) Rectangular unmarried storey buildings with ridged roofs. Bridge on many piles wit delineate span inwards Dutch style. Tall mast seen upstream inwards the the lagoon. Only 1 edifice North of the span except for Conraedsburg on St. Jago.
636 Gold trinkets worn equally spells. Gold horn. Gold chapeau band. Necklace. Arm rings. Large wooden stools. Scales for gold. Krakra gold, pea weight, Fe pin, money. Piece of aureate (like coral) Hair combs, 3 or 4 teeth.
669 Gold Coast music from Barbot. Snappers or castagnets. Blowing horns or trumpets. Musical tongs two pronged shape with striking rod. Brass kettle manus bells. Brass Bafon? Flutes. Drum. Royal drum. Small drum. Sort of Cittern 4 stringed instrument, board with calabash? behind.
- pl 59 Views of Dixcove as well as English linguistic communication as well as Dutch Forts at Sakkundi. Forts are solid inwards appearance with battered coursed walls. All on hills. Slopes are cultivated with plots set out neatly inwards lines. Palm trees grade corners at Sekondi. At Dixcove, little rectangular huts along the coast, pitched roofs, 1 door, no windows. All castles take hold canons facing (at least) out to sea as well as a large flag above.
- Bech, Niels & Hyland, H5N1 D C. Elmina a Conservation Study UST Occasional written report 17 1978 (notes)
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
Fort on St. Jago Hill called Coenraadsburg
Elmina town situated on narrow peninsula betwixt Benya lagoon as well as the sea until 1873 when it was razed to the ground.
In 18th century the expanse around St. Jago colina was covered past times the castle's vegetable as well as fruit gardens serving also equally a spot of relaxation
By the halt of the 18th century plantations, marketplace spot gardens, pavilions, little buildings. Well defined route layout (w of lagoon)
Map of 1799. Bridge existed. Map past times J. Berseman - General State Archives The Hague.
- Bartels house, Mount Pleasant 1786.
- DeCorse, Christopher R. AN ARCHAEOLOGY OF ELMINA: Africans as well as Europeans on the Gold Coast, 1400-1900
- Examines a complex African settlement on the coast of present-day Republic of Ghana from the fifteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Explores developments at that spot inwards the low-cal of European expansion as well as illustrates remarkable cultural continuity inwards the midst of technological change. BNS, 73 b/w illus, fourteen maps, 5 tables, 288pp, USA . SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT, 1560989718 2001 HB GBP34.50
- Everts, Natalie, Cherchez la femme : gender-related issues inwards eighteenth-century Elmina, Itinerario: (1996), vol. 20, no. 1, p. 45-57.
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history/itin/itin.htm
- Summary : In 1637 Dutch seafarers took Elmina castle (Gold Coast, at nowadays Ghana) past times forcefulness as well as turned it into the West Republic of Republic of India Company headquarters inwards Africa. There was a keen deal of everyday interaction betwixt the European traders and Elmina society as well as the bulk of European men had relationships with African or Euro-African women. European travellers as well as ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church pigment a icon present of the Euro-African children who were born from these liaisons moving automatically into the African world of their Akan mothers. Apart from some vague reproaches towards European fathers, mostly from ministers who defendant them of indifference, none of the sources contain a clear causal explanation for the limited European influence inwards Euro-African children's upbringing. This newspaper assumes that the lack of powerfulness of a European with regard to his Euro-African children is related to the powerfulness of his African Akan partner as well as the fact that she is inextricably bound to her blood relations, her 'abusua' (matrilineal descent group). Her interests as well as wishes are dictated past times this collective as well as inwards most cases, the ascendance of the host civilisation agency that the parent who represents cultural continuity prevails over the 1 who is at best only a temporary resident. Notes, ref.
- Feinberg, H.M. Elmina, Ghana : a history of its evolution as well as human relationship with the Dutch inwards the eighteenth century Boston : Boston University, 1969. - XX, 260 p. ; Thesis Boston University, 1969.
- Summary : Studies Elmina's political development, growth as well as daily life. The human relationship of Elmina with the Dutch is analyzed from the standpoint of the meeting of 2 cultures to determine the grade of impingement of the Dutch on the Elminan way of life as well as the legacy of this civilisation contact.
- Feinberg, H.M., An incident inwards Elmina-Dutch relations, the Gold Coast (Ghana), 1739-1740 African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 359-372..
- Summary : The human relationship betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch is to a greater extent than often than non considered to take hold been peaceful as well as mutually cooperative. In 1739 however, a serious conflict arose betwixt the Elminans as well as the Dutch. On May 26 or 27, 1739, Director General de Bordes forbade Elminan canoes to leave of absence the Benya River to fish inwards the sea. He also ordered his subordinates to seize whatever nutrient coming to Elmina by sea as well as on the forenoon of the 27th a number of boats loaded with corn were seized past times West Republic of Republic of India Company slaves. The Elminans sought an explanation from de Bordes but received no satisfaction. They were ordered to leave of absence the castle; the castle gates were closed, as well as inwards a small spell fighting commenced. This conflict is discussed according to the next outline: 1. a listing of events from May 27, 1739 to virtually March 21, 1740, 2. the points of view on causes; 3. the costs to the Dutch; 4. the effect of the conflict on the Elminans. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Palaver on the Gold Coast : Elmina-Dutch cooperation during the eighteenth century African Perspectives: (1979), no. 2, p. 11-20.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Summary : Only rarely are outsiders invited to bring together inwards the judicial procedure of dispute settlement. One example, however, of where outsiders as well as the local leadership did cooperate inwards dispute settlement tin live found on the Gold Coast of West Africa, where the leadership of Elmina town as well as main officials of the Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company cooperated inwards attempting to settle conflicts as well as inwards the judgment of sure as shooting civil court, cases. The nowadays article describes this cooperation as well as discusses examples of civil cases settled during the eighteenth century. An outstanding characteristic of the cases inwards query is that the Elmina leadership as well as the Dutch Director General normally acted to uphold the Akan scheme inwards back upwards of the customary law. The preservation of peace as well as monastic tell was an of import motive for local authorities on the coast to nowadays these cases to the Dutch, as well as it was undoubtedly a similar aim which motivated the Dutch to participate. Notes.
- Feinberg, H.M., Elmina Town inwards the eighteenth century - Los Angeles : African studies association, 1984. ASA, Los Angeles, 25-28 October, 1984.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Summary : The Dutch remained inwards command of the Castle St. George d'Elmina from 1637 until 1872. The author draws a icon present of Elmina as a community mainly with information from letters as well as papers belonging to the Second Netherlands West Republic of Republic of India Company.
- Hutton, William, H5N1 voyage to Africa, London, 1821
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
Great credit is due to the Dutch for the improvements which they take hold carried on here. Besides a harbour for little vessels, at that spot are piers, wharfs, as well as cranes, for landing goods. The ground also is also ameliorate cultivated than at whatever other portion of the coast; nearly 2 miles at the dorsum of' the town, are good set out inwards beds of ground-nuts as well as Mr. Neiser has made a fine plantation with 35,000 cotton wool trees, virtually 2 miles from the castle, as well as cutting a route to it, at to the lowest degree xxx feet broad, at his ain expence. I rode into the ground with this gentleman, when I was finally at Elmina, as well as was astonished at the improvements he had made. He so informed me that he had lxxx men employed inwards making a java plantation; as well as it is to live hoped many others inwards Africa volition follow Mr. Neiser's example, which is the most effectual way to cultivate the country, as well as civilize the natives. The gardens at Elmina, containing oranges, pineapples, sour soups, as well as other tropical fruits, likewise vegetables of all descriptions, do keen credit to the Dutch as well as the English linguistic communication at our head-quarters are ofttimes obliged to them for a provide of these articles. Mr. Neiser's hospitality deserves to live specially mentioned.
The town of Elmina is the only 1 on the coast which is built with stone, as well as also the only 1 that is paved. There is 1 broad street before the fort, but the town is badly set out, the houses beingness all built unopen together, without to a greater extent than than sufficient infinite to walk betwixt them.
The number of inhabitants may amount to viii thousand; and, similar most of the natives residing on the coast, they fish with the cast-net regularly every morning, excepting on their fetish days.
Although Elmina belongs to Warsaw, the manlike individual monarch does non forbid the inhabitants from exercising municipal authority. These people were guilty of an human activity some years ago, which tin never live forgotten. The governor, Hoogenboom, having given them some get of offence, they beset him 1 even at the billiard-table as well as murdered him inwards the most inhuman manner. Elmina is the easternmost maritime town inwards the kingdom of Warsaw, as well as Chama the most western. I take hold already stated that this ground is tributary to Ashantee, as well as take hold described the diverse towns on the coast which I take hold been at; but never having been inwards the interior of this kingdom, I volition non sweat a description of it.
The Warsaws carry on a considerable merchandise with Europeans, inwards aureate as well as ivory as well as are to a greater extent than remarkable for honesty than their neighbours the Fantees.
If they take hold whatever palaver (dispute), the Pynins as well as Cabboceers (Pynins as well as Cabboceers signify the magistrates or caput men of the town, the chiefs) get together to hear the parties, which sometimes occupies them a whole day, equally they are extremely clever inwards argument, as well as volition ofttimes utter for hours together. When the Pynins cannot create upwards one's hear to the satisfaction of the parties inwards town, they get together inwards the fort as well as submit the instance to the determination of the governor .
- 53 The next settlement to the eastward of Commenda is Elmina, where the Dutch take hold a fine fortification, as well as which is the only 1 on the coast that is protected past times a deep ditch. It is also farther strengthened past times a little fort, called St. Jago, which is built on a colina that commands both the town as well as the castle, as well as is called the key to the latter. The Dutch are so jealous regarding St. Jago, that, fifty-fifty inwards fourth dimension of peace, they volition non allow the English linguistic communication to live admitted into it.
- Lawrence, A. W. Trade Castles as well as Forts of West Africa, Jonathan Cape, London, 1963 (quotations as well as notes) See also Lawrence, A. W. Fortified Trade Posts: The English linguistic communication inwards West Africa 1645-1822, Jonathan Cape, London, 1968 (recast inwards a shortened shape as well as retitled) Copyright stuff is used hither with the permission of the owners, the Trustees of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Trust.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
32 Dutch maintained a cotton wool plantation close Axim as well as Shama 1765-83
49 Senior as well as junior officers, gratis artisans, soldiers, slaves for indoor as well as outdoor work. Paid (sometimes live-in) gratis Africans or mulattoes. If necessary Governor mightiness fifty-fifty larn supplies from a unusual fort inwards the neighbourhood. In 1778 Cape Coast borrowed cartridge newspaper from Elmina. In 1780 Elmina sold 55 fathoms of novel 5" cable, weight 274 lbs. at 1 oz of aureate per 100 lbs. for a schooner of the English linguistic communication company.
Loneliness: mutual business organisation normally arranged past times letter.
Only Members of Council or Company's seamen made regular journeys. Officers jumped at the take chances of going visiting, several hours past times canoe or inwards a hammock carried past times 1 or 2 couples of men.
Different companies entertained 1 another, relations superficially amicable, business organisation rivalry, spies, plots.
1779. 'The indefatigable pains as well as perseverance, peculiar to the Dutch, with which they past times degrees endeavour inwards futurity to convey virtually their dear as well as political but diabolical conception to forcefulness the English linguistic communication town of Komenda into uniting with their ain protectorate across the river.
Tedium, strains, isolation, conditions of physical as well as mental distress, grumbling, bad temper. Open dissensions as well as quarreling at the Governor's table. Maudlin as well as assertive recollections of elderly governor. Senior officers mightiness adjust for Africans to drum as well as trip the low-cal fantastic inwards the garden for their entertainment. Main characteristic of conviviality was drinking. Dutch favoured neat brandy or rum. English mixed their brandy with lime juice, carbohydrate as well as water. Drank to excess.
English allowed men to pass the nighttime inwards the town as well as to convey women into the fort. Dutch inflicted heavy penalties for both offences. Dutch allowed men exterior forts only inwards daylight. Gates unbolted at twenty-four hours break, slaves living inwards huts exterior reported for duty. Africans from elsewhere mightiness come upwards inwards to purchase as well as sell. Lengthy process, values reckoned inwards weight of gold. Slaves brought firewood - large amounts required. Arrival of ships interrupted everyone's routine. When the fort's sentinel sighted approaching sails, the flag was hoisted as well as preparations made to have the vessel. Canon made ready (is it a pirate?) Friendly man-o-war or ship with VIP entitled to a salute of so many guns. Cargo brought ashore past times canoes or little boats belonging to the fort. Canoemen organized past times a bumboy, gratis African employed past times the fort. Transport of goods from the beach to storerooms done past times slaves, on their heads. Clerical staff hard worked, inventory of incomings, calculating prices. Ship's original inwards a hurry - scared of illness affecting his crew. Medical precautions. Men non to drinkable palmwine. Unsuitable living quarters, pitiable diet, habitual drunkenness, savage punishments. Malaria, yellowish fever, waterborne diseases. Dutch began with the intention of keeping chaplain's post filled - provided a little library of devotional books (1645). Soon resorted to unordained preachers. Dutch company's board inwards Amsterdam ever prohibited concubinage with local women; practice flourished none the less, though inwards secret. Dutch governor's tabular array had (1722) x dishes of victuals, diverseness of beer as well as wine, attendance of 6 negro servants, each a aureate chain circular his neck. Wheat imported, issued out against pay inwards the shape of biscuit. Stocks ran out. Guinea corn or maize used instead. Fresh meat seldom obtained fifty-fifty past times officers, vegetables grown for commander's table. Unprivileged Europeans relied on salted or smoked meat, flour, cheese, butter. Ignored the abundance of fresh fish. Every underground cistern was walled, floored as well as vaulted inwards brick. Rectangular box-like brick conducted H2O from roofs to channels which ran beneath the paving of the courtyard.
122 Re Elmina. Rationalization past times the Dutch 1637-82. Layout inwards 1637 was inwards full general equally today. Buildings contained doorways as well as windows lined with Dutch brick on upper floors. Dutch rarely used the give-and-take bastion. Majority of Dutch piece of work undertaken for improvement - to obtain weatherproof store rooms (ground floor); to increment living accommodation (above). Upper storeys are floored with wood as well as covered with apartment or gabled roofs according to the width of span.
123 In places the Dutch added 2 or to a greater extent than storeys. By 1774 the reconstruction had been virtually completed. Enormous volume of newspaper accumulated from 1675-1791 past times 2nd Dutch fellowship as well as equally yet uncalendered.
124 Based on written report past times Michael Hemmersham, Nuremberg goldsmith, 1639 -1645 at Elmina. When y'all come upwards within the castle at that spot is a large opened upwards infinite on which is a church building that nowadays is used equally a buying as well as trading house. East bastion . . . there a bell on the walls is pulled past times the soldiers as well as struck equally often equally the hours are struck alongside us on our towers. If you climb upwards some steps at that spot y'all come upwards to a tower (north circular tower) inwards which lived the Treasurer as well as higher upwards him the Crew Master (Commodore) who is inwards command of the ships. If y'all go upwards some other stair, on your left is a gallery within the castle to the outward (an enclosed passage behind the outer wall of the rectangular block) But on your correct is a well-built breastwork, from which y'all go downward 3 or iv steps as well as on your correct manus come upwards to the battery on which prevarication nine cannon cast inwards brass. This is called the Governor's battery since his spot is unopen past times (in the rectangular block) through which y'all tin go as well as come upwards downward in 1 trial again to the courtyard. . .
In my fourth dimension a passage was built around the N Tower where the Treasurer has his spot as well as a bell was brought from Sao Tome as well as hung at that spot on the walls so equally to strike the hours both past times twenty-four hours as well as past times night. Riverine yard called the truthful cat yard, where many civet cats are kept. The perfume manufacture - an of import 1 inwards those times of piffling washing - relied greatly on the odorous secretions of civets, which, inwards captivity could live deprived of their scent twice weekly. Dutch handgrip the castle garrisoned with people of High German as well as depression countries race. Whatever a man's organized religious belief mightiness be, nosotros held our Sundays with prayer, reading as well as singing inwards the Governor's quarters inwards the keen hall, which was hung with pikes, muskets as well as similar weapons.
129 1645 Governor had a kitchen built exterior the church building betwixt the pillars, 11' long past times 5'6" wide. Castle armed with 21 large brass guns including 1 48-pounder mortar, 6 - 24 pounders 1 - fourteen pounder canon, 5 - 12 pounders, 3000 canon balls of iron, 153 of stone, 53 - 12 lb 130 - 8 lb mortar bombs 53 spare muskets, 20 anchors, 200 - 1000 lb (for sale), canvas for sails, salted or dried food, 41 barrels of meat = 8 tons, 500 lbs of common salt fish, 85 Europeans, 184 slaves (ate African food) Garrison of 69 officers as well as men, Governor, 4 Europeans concerned solely with trade, nine inwards accuse of handicrafts, a lay preacher (or comforter) who at this fourth dimension conducted religious services on Th as well as Sunday, acted equally a medical dispenser inwards the absence of a chaplain as well as doctor.
From fourth dimension to fourth dimension a chaplain had been appointed but invariably resigned as well as went dorsum to Holland. Small collection of pious books, 72 copies of the Psalms. Medical stores: 147 varieties of ointments, plasters, drugs, etc.
No 1 was allowed out inwards the evenings as well as so the occupants of the castle mightiness take hold escaped malaria as well as yellowish fever, because the air current off the sea keeps mosquitoes away. . . Fort St. Iago enjoys no such immunity. System of guarding it past times roster exposed the entire garrison to infection.
On slopes around the fort as well as inwards valley beyond grew fruit, salads as well as greenish vegetables - preventatives of scurvy. Soldiers' lodgings backed against the drape wall of the keen courtyard: admitted air on 1 side only as well as pelting ofttimes came through the roof. Roofs to a greater extent than often than non tiled. Wood of roofs as well as floors constantly needed replacement. Timber was cutting at Shama or Axim as well as shipped along the coast on the ketches built at that spot past times the Dutch, sawn upwards past times castle slaves. Company vaulted all storage infinite since tiled roofs leaked. Bricks from The Netherlands came out equally ballast, thin, cream to greyish yellow.
132 1682 Castle is built square, with rattling high walls of a dark chocolate-brown stone. Garrison 100 white men as well as perhaps equally many dark soldiers, all inwards the Company's pay. Drawbridge is defended past times a redoubt (the W bastion) with 8 Fe guns as well as a ditch inwards the stone 20ft. deep as well as 18ft broad with an Fe portcullis as well as 4 brass pattereroes within the gate as well as a large guardroom next to it. On the ground side the castle has 2 canals ever furnished with pelting or fresh H2O for the utilization of garrison as well as ships.
Besides 3 rattling fine cisterns within the place, each holding several hundred tuns to salve the rain, so that garrison is inwards no keen danger of wanting water. . . There is room inwards the castle for a garrison of 200 men as well as several officers. The general's (governor's) lodgings are higher upwards inwards the castle, the ascent to which is upwards a large white as well as dark stone staircase, defended at the top past times 2 brass guns as well as 4 pattereroes of the same metal. . . as well as a guard room, pretty large, next to which is a keen hall total of little arms of several sorts, equally an arsenal, through which as well as past times a by-passage y'all larn into a fine long gallery, all wainscoted, at each halt of which at that spot are large drinking glass windows, as well as through it is the way to the general's lodgings, containing several practiced chambers as well as offices along the ramparts.
133 The compting houses particularly, are large, finely fitted for the manufacturing flora accomtants bookkeepers as well as servants, inwards all threescore persons.
142 Governor's kitchen, close W corner of the 2nd floor, contains a fireplace as well as a chimney; all the officers ate at the governor's table, hence the enormous size.
- 29 European salad plants, cabbages as well as cauliflowers from imported seed, fruit trees from tropical Asia as well as America. Newly introduced: lemon, carbohydrate cane, melons, orange, tamarind, banana, coconut, pineapple, pawpaw, guava. (mango - root inwards Indo-Burmese region, as well as avocado - native of Central America - were so obviously unknown MH) sweetness potato, yam, maize (?) cassava.
- Lever, J.T., Mulatto influence on the Gold Coast inwards the early on nineteenth century : Jan Nieser of Elmina / . In: African Historical Studies: (1970), vol. 3, no. 2, p. 253-261.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Summary : The mulattoes of the Gold Coast never constituted a distinctive social class. Nevertheless men as well as women of Euro-African descent through their contact with both the unusual traders as well as the local African communities were able to select payoff of the perennial demand for mediators as well as brokers betwixt the 2 groups. Some mulattoes were alongside those most favourably placed to assimilate European modes as well as techniques as well as to adapt these inwards the low-cal of conditions on the Coast. They did so inwards increasing numbers from virtually the 2nd one-half of the 18th century. Perhaps the moat influential Gold Coast mulatto during the menses of the Ashanti invasions of 1807 as well as after was Jan Nieser, a homo with many ties to the Dutch, the coastal African communities, as well as Ashanti. Of his life some aspects are examined. Notes.
- Van Dantzig, Albert, Castles as well as Forts of Republic of Ghana equally a Collective Historical Monument, inwards Maggie Dodds (ed.), History of Ghana, American Women's Association, Accra, 1974.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
Now forts as well as castles of course of instruction nosotros observe inwards many parts of the world. Most of the forts as well as castles nosotros know exterior Republic of Ghana are either armed forces forts or left over from the Middle Ages, the Feudal era, as well as inwards that instance they are often grown out into palaces. An representative of the extreme shape of palaces growing out of forts is the Versailles Palace close Paris. But the forts as well as castles exterior Europe took mostly the character, specially if they were built past times Europeans, of outposts or strongholds similar y'all take hold inwards the United States of America - similar Fort Worth, Fort Duquesne; hither inwards Africa too, such equally Fort Lamy, an representative of armed forces outpost. What nosotros take hold inwards Republic of Ghana is rather unique, this whole serial of merchandise forts. The genuinely interesting thing of all the forts as well as castles of Republic of Ghana is non so much the private buildings which genuinely are, let's confront it, less impressive than Versailles or the chateaux along the Loire inwards France, but rather the forts as well as castles equally a collective historical monument. Because what is genuinely most surprising as well as interesting is that over less than 300 miles of coastline, inwards a relatively small menses of virtually 3 centuries, non less than threescore fortified merchandise posts of diverse kinds were built. (The original text has a unproblematic map of the coast showing the next forts as well as castles listed from E to west:
Keta (Fort Prindesten),
Ada (Fort Kongesten),
Ningo (Fort Fredensborg),
Prampram (Fort Vernon),
Kpone,
Tema,
Teshie (Fort Augustaborg),
Accra (Christiansborg/Osu Castle,
Fort Crevecoeur/Ussher Fort, James Fort),
Senya Bereku (Fort de Goede Hoop/Good Hope),
Winneba,
Apam (Fort Leydsaamheyd),
Tantumquery,
Amoku,
Kormantin (Fort Amsterdam),
Anomabu (Fort William),
Mori (Fort Nassau),
Cape Coast (Cape Coast Castle),
Elmina (St. George d'Elmina, Fort Conraadsburg),
Komenda (Fort Vrendenbourgh),
British Komenda,
Shama (St. Sebastian),
English Secondi,
Dutch Secondi (Fort Orange),
Takoradi (Fort Witsen),
Butri (Fort Batenstein),
Dixcove, kwidi (Fort Dorethea),
Fort Duma, Takrama (Fort Louise),
Princes Town (Gross Frederichsburg/Fort Hollandia),
Fort Ruychaver, Axim (Fort St. Anthony),
Ankobra (Elise Carthago),
Beyin.
We could inwards a way regard the whole set of forts as well as castles as well as merchandise lodges inwards Republic of Ghana equally a sort of huge shopping street - shopping street of a few government-sponsored trading companies which did non sell for money so much equally for merchandise goods from Africa - a sort of barter merchandise therefore. Although nosotros should non forget that nosotros did take hold hither on the coast a currency inwards the shape of aureate dust.
The diverse establishments of the European companies, the chartered companies, vary greatly inwards importance, ranging from the large castles - inwards fact at that spot are only 3 castles inwards Ghana; Elmina, which was the headquarters of the Portuguese, after the Dutch; Cape Coast Castle, built past times the British; Christiansborg Castle hither inwards Accra, built past times the Danes. Those large castles had several hundred large guns, large garrisons, commercial officials as well as authorities officials as well as at a. after stage, the existent craftsmen. There was a considerable number of castle slaves also - often craftsmen themselves. In many respects these large castles tin live seen equally mini-cities genuinely but depression inwards the scale nosotros take hold the ordinary forts. And fifty-fifty the Prussian headquarters at Gross Frederichsburg, at Princes Town, was never called anything other than a fort. Of course of instruction it was much smaller than the other 3 castles. These forts often had upwards to virtually l guns, a commercial as well as armed forces commander united inwards 1 person, with a few soldiers as well as few officials for commerce. Then finally at that spot was a large number of so-called lodges which were mostly manned only past times civil assistants non past times existent fighters. Often they were only occupied when ships came to anchor for trade as well as they mostly had only rudimentary forms of defense forcefulness with 1 bastion, 2 or 3 guns, or the rather peculiar instance of the Dutch lodge at Mount Congh, at nowadays called Queen Ann's Point, close Cape Coast, virtually which it was reported at the halt of the 17th century: �We take hold hither 1 homo with an axe.�
Why did the forts as well as castles fountain upwards hither inwards Republic of Ghana inwards such keen density, 1 may ask. There are several reasons for this as well as 1 of the to a greater extent than of import is perhaps but of geography. Both E as well as westward of Republic of Ghana - the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire as well as into Togo, Dahomey as well as Nigeria expanse - nosotros take hold only depression sandy coasts backed past times a scheme of lagoons with to a greater extent than often than non rather unsafe surf; no natural harbours; whereas only inwards this expanse from the Volta to roughly Cape Three Points nosotros take hold this quite different type of coast with many natural harbours - piffling bays as well as coves with promontories rattling useful for edifice forts which were aiming at defending the sea-roads inwards forepart of a sure as shooting expanse which was developed equally a trading area. Then some other payoff of the Gold Coast was that aureate was found as well as mined at fairly unopen distance from the coast, which nosotros don't observe either E or west. Furthermore, inwards the menses inwards which the forts were built - betwixt the 15th as well as 18th centuries - Europe had an insatiable demand for gold. Finally, perhaps 1 of the most of import reasons that so many forts were built, is that so many companies could settle hither yet none of these European nations colonized the Gold Coast equally they did other parts of the world. This tin partially live explained past times the fact that African society hither was but too good organized already before the arrival of the Europeans to allow but the taking into possession, equally happened for instance inwards many parts of America. In fact the African chiefs, coastal chiefs, as well as the traders from the interior to the coast, were rattling quick to recognize the advantages of this competition betwixt the diverse European companies.
So Republic of Ghana has indeed a fairly unique history if y'all facial expression at the full general colonial history of the world, because this is 1 of the rarer areas where for 300 years European as well as non-Europeans had been trading basically on a pes of equality. And fifty-fifty afterwards, inwards the 19th century, inwards the keen era of imperialism, at that spot was genuinely no room inwards Republic of Ghana for the type of colonial exploitation that nosotros observe inwards such areas equally the Congo. The famous Fante Bond of 1844 is indeed 1 of the earliest types inwards Africa of a modern independence movement. These forts as well as castles did inwards fact give a feel of security to both Europeans as well as Africans. To the African they gave the security that the Europeans were non probable to �break out� from their forts. But on the other hand, past times treaty also, Europeans were compelled to come upwards to the defense forcefulness of the coastal states inwards which they established these forts inwards instance these states were attacked from the interior. I must of course of instruction telephone telephone your attending to the fact that the Europeans did non ever come upwards to their aid, specially hither inwards Accra at the fourth dimension of Akwamu invasions, Akim invasions, Asante invasions, against which Europeans, inwards spite of all these beautiful treaties didn't do anything. Perhaps the forts as well as castles also, to a considerable extent satisfied the �Territorial Imperative�, to utter with the words of Ardrey of the Europeans themselves. They did experience a sure as shooting sort of security within those walls of forts as well as castles which were genuinely built on territory they only rented from the local chiefs. Finally, the local chiefs also brought of their ain gratis volition many of their so-called palavers to the castles as well as forts, known inwards Fante equally Aban. The Aban became the basis of after politics inwards Republic of Ghana as well as at that spot is still, inwards Fante the give-and-take Aban, used to delineate �government.� Such informal jurisdiction developed specially inwards the early on stages inwards Elmina; after inwards as well as around Axim; as well as of course of instruction at that spot is the famous instance of the 1830s of Governor Maclean who did the same thing around Cape Coast as well as so into the interior.
So to summarize my introduction I think it is a flake shortsighted to say virtually the forts as well as castles - �Well it may live a tourist attraction of Republic of Ghana but let's non stress it too much because they are just European leftovers of colonial days.� The forts as well as castles tin with sufficient reason, to some extent, live regarded non only equally monuments to the slave merchandise because they were used for slave trade, but also to a long history, a long tradition of Ghanaian independence. Surprisingly as well as paradoxically equally it may sound, they could live regarded to some extent fifty-fifty equally monuments of liberty - monuments at least, of equality. (If y'all disagree delight allow me know inwards the query hour!)
Something virtually the mutual characteristics nosotros observe inwards the diverse forts as well as castles which of course of instruction individually are quite different yet nosotros tin recognize some basic features. Generally the basic pattern is a foursquare surrounded past times drape walls which halt inwards pointed bastions. Within this foursquare of drape walls as well as bastions are built 1 or sometimes to a greater extent than than one, to a greater extent than often than non 2 storied buildings; inwards the bigger forts sometimes 3 stories or a tower. Also inwards virtually all the forts nosotros find, below the key square, the cisterns, or inwards smaller courts, 1 cistern. The ground flooring of the forts as well as castles is to a greater extent than often than non used for storerooms - at that spot is no ventilation on the outside, only on the within - or for rooms for the garrison for the lower officials. The top flooring is for residence for high officials, for officers, as well as for the �palaver halls� which nosotros observe inwards most forts as well as castles. The bastions are sometimes solid, similar the drape wall, but also often nosotros observe hollow bastions which were used for instance equally pulverization magazines, or inwards the days of the slave merchandise - as well as I demand non tell y'all that slave merchandise was developed rather belatedly hither compared to other parts of Africa - these hollow bastions were often used for slave prisons or slave holds.
Now most of the forts were greatly expanded, specially inwards the 18th century. At a after phase they developed so-called spurs. These were outer walls forming a sort of triangle inwards forepart of the main gate. Sometimes they became virtually a portion of the fort equally they did at Cape Coast or Dixcove. Other times they were but sparse walls surrounding service areas which inwards instance of state of war were also used to provide shelter for the towns-people against invading enemies. Sometimes these spurs became rattling big, bigger than the fort itself, equally nosotros take hold for instance inwards Apam as well as inwards little forts where merchandise did non develop rattling good as well as where the Europeans decided to utilization these forts to a greater extent than equally service forts rather than merchandise forts. So nosotros observe a large carpentry shop, a truthful cat yard, equally nosotros take hold at Elmina as well as other Dutch forts, yards where civet cats were reared who produced a sort of liquid which was rattling of import for the perfume industry. The cisterns played a rattling of import role non only for the provide of drinking H2O to the inhabitants of the fort but specially for provide of drinking H2O to passing ships, because these forts were non only merchandise forts but were also provide forts. They were stations midway inwards the long voyage that the ships made. Ships were often serviced close the ports themselves where at that spot was a sort of natural harbour. And castle gardens supplied fresh vegetables as well as fruits for the crews of the ships. Again inwards the days of slave merchandise large quantities of millet as well as corn, equally good equally palm oil, were also bought locally.
Then I shall assay to live equally brief equally possible on this most complicated land of study - �a brief history� of the forts as well as castles, where I may refer to books as well as booklets on the subject. Of course of instruction the first off fort was Elmina, built inwards 1482 past times the Portuguese. The Portuguese as well as Castilian had a tradition of fighting Islam since, inwards fact, the eighth Century A.D. By the middle of the 15th century the success of the Portuguese as well as the Castilian against Islam inwards the Iberian Peninsula was quite great. By the middle of the 15th century an of import trial took spot when, inwards the finally Christian outpost inwards the east, the metropolis of Constantinople was taken past times the Turks. It is genuinely from that appointment that nosotros regard specially the Portuguese getting keen on discovering a sea route to the Indies around the coast of Africa - the piece of work of Prince Henry the Navigator.
So inwards 1471 the first off Europeans arrived hither on the Republic of Guinea Coast, an event, which inwards fact, 2 years agone was celebrated with a special historical conference. Hardly x years later, 1481, Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated with the local main at Elmina for the construction of a fort - San Jorge d'Elmina. The hollo of the main with whom Diogo d'Azambuja negotiated is Caraman�a. This Caraman�a is often said to take hold been 1 of the first off chiefs of Elmina, past times hollo of Kwamena Ansah. Very nice, but modern historians to a greater extent than or less concur that past times 1482 at that spot were non yet whatever Fante on this coast. So how come upwards that inwards 1482 the �chief of Elmina� had a Fante name? Somehow it doesn't fit! Now inwards a 17th century booklet written for Louis XIV to back upwards some claims he thought to take hold on the Gold Coast, nosotros observe the description of these earliest contracts of d'Azambuja with non only Caraman�a but also �another Mansa�. This is quite interesting because mansa is also a sort of Mande or Arab championship for traders. So developed this to a greater extent than modern thought that genuinely the spelling of Caraman�a inwards Portuguese was perhaps a flake misleading, that it was genuinely Kara Mansa - a mansa named Kara - who negotiated with Diogo d'Azambuja. This would create the early on history of Elmina much clearer as well as much to a greater extent than understandable because at that spot is also this confusion virtually the root of the give-and-take �Elmina�. El is a particle, but inwards Spanish, non inwards Portuguese, as well as the Castilian had never had anything to do here. Elmina people would say, �the mine�. But that would live H5N1 Mina. In Arabic, on the other hand, nosotros take hold Mina pregnant �the port� as well as that does create sense. When the Portuguese arrived hither they found 1 mansa called Kara as well as when they asked him �what is the hollo of this place?� he replied, �the port - El Mina�. And that is why the Portuguese named the spot Elmina as well as non H5N1 Mina. Moreover at that spot were aureate mines but at a considerable distance from Elmina, non at Elmina itself. It also explains perhaps why the Portuguese went out straightaway to build such a large castle. Of course of instruction the original castle was non equally large equally the nowadays 1 but fifty-fifty the original one, which nosotros observe inwards that portion which is around the old courtyard - the little courtyard - was of considerable size. The architects when they facial expression at it take hold often been struck past times the fact that it looks so much similar a crusaders' castle - �krak�- inwards the Middle East. And it is rattling good possible that the Portuguese, arriving hither for the first off time, coming together Muslim traders, thought that inwards fact the keen Islamic Empire of northern Africa extended equally far equally this portion of the coast. They hence decided to build a crusaders' castle to constitute themselves firmly as well as to christianize the people around them. For which purpose indeed they set out straightaway.
Only after on they discovered they had built rather too large a castle for the unproblematic purpose of trade. Indeed the next 2 forts they built at Axim as well as at Shama, at natural outlets of the aureate merchandise of the Ankobra River as well as the Pra River, were much to a greater extent than modest inwards size. Also inwards 1482 it was only 30 years after the autumn of Constantinople inwards 1453 as well as it is known that past times that fourth dimension the western European Christians were deeply impressed past times the heavy cannon the Turks had used to breach the walls of Constantinople. Again nosotros recognize something of this at Elmina Castle where silent nosotros have, on the ground side, the northwest bastion which is indeed quite formidable. The Portuguese in all probability did facial expression at whatever fourth dimension after the construction of the fort that the Turks would march upwards with their keen field-cannon.
During the 16th century nosotros observe the first off signs of competition coming from the French as well as English linguistic communication traders who tried to penetrate inwards this official monopoly expanse of the Portuguese as well as at that fourth dimension it became necessary for the Portuguese to build defences to the seaward rather than to the landward. It appeared presently that the feared Muslims would non march upwards to drive them out as well as equally a affair of fact relationships with the Africans became quite friendly. Elmina itself even, shortly after the establishment of the castle, got Portuguese metropolis rights. But the greatest occupation presently seemed to live the competition on the sea - how to hold away these competitors from other parts of Europe. And so nosotros regard Elmina castle extending toward the sea with a whole novel courtyard as well as with heavy guns roofing the Elmina Roads. We observe the same thing inwards Axim now, a bastion pointing toward the sea, as well as inwards Shama. The competition of the English linguistic communication as well as the French was non equally unsafe equally that of the Dutch inwards the after 16th century because the Dutch decided to revolt against their overlords Philip II of Spain, as well as that when the Dutch were the main suppliers of merchandise goods to the Portuguese. They traditionally were redistributors of trade-goods coming from Asia as well as Africa to Lisbon from where they redistributed them all over the ease of Europe. But they sold at the same fourth dimension to the Portuguese traders inwards monastic tell to sell in 1 trial again overseas their manufactured products such equally cloth, which played a rattling of import role inwards the overseas trade. All that sort of broke upwards inwards a few years, at the halt of the 16th century - the Portuguese monopoly on the Gold Coast. Not only did the Dutch revolt against their overlord, the manlike individual monarch of Spain, inwards 1580 Kingdom of Spain as well as Portugal were also united nether 1 crown with the outcome that Portugal also became officially the enemy of the Dutch.
After 1580 nosotros regard Dutch transportation on the Gold Coast increment enormously. The Dutch were able to provide goods at a lower cost than the Portuguese as well as past times 1612 finally 1 of the local chiefs, the 1 of Asebu; broke the spell past times openly inviting the Dutch, sending inwards fact 2 ambassadors to The Netherlands to enquire the Dutch to build a fort at Mori. This fort unfortunately has nearly completely disappeared although nosotros tin silent regard some ruins of which the most striking characteristic perhaps is the keen quantity of Dutch bricks nosotros observe inwards the walls. Because traditionally the Dutch built inwards bricks, as well as moreover this was the first off fourth dimension they had built exterior of The Netherlands inwards fact they thought it safer to convey the edifice stuff from The Netherlands rather than to rely on the local people who equally yet were non fully dependable to the Dutch - equally officially they had treaties with the Portuguese. Soon they began to extend their influence. In 1624, shortly after the establishment of the Dutch West Indian Company they made a treaty with a main of a so newly arrived grouping of Fantes - a treaty which did non rattling much impress, apparently, this chief, Ambro-Braffo, of the Borbor-Fante; inwards 1631 they made a similar treaty with the English linguistic communication who had established themselves at Kormantin. With the growing Dutch as well as also the English linguistic communication competition the Portuguese were finding it rattling hard to larn their aureate as well as made some attempts to mine aureate themselves inwards a colina close Komenda - Abrobi Hill - an sweat which ended inwards total disaster. The mine collapsed as well as shortly afterwards they tried in 1 trial again inwards the interior, inwards the Ankobra Valley at the confluence of the Duma as well as Ankobra Rivers where in 1 trial again it is said they were surprised past times an earthquake which I believe is an erroneous interpretation because from some enquiry I conducted, perhaps they did observe aureate but also some silvery or electrum, which was a sign inwards traditional Akan mining that the spirits were against them as well as that is in all probability the ground why they all of a abrupt interrupted the ease of their activities. In 1637 the Dutch made, from Brazil, their concluding keen assault, after a few failures of before days, on the Portuguese main castle at Elmina, putting their guns on Saint Iago Hill which they after fortified with Coenraadsburg Fort. Very shortly afterwards, inwards 1642, the Portuguese were completely expelled from the whole Gold Coast. However the Dutch had never had equally much a monopoly equally the Portuguese had had because already nosotros take hold seen the English linguistic communication had established themselves at Kormantin as well as rattling presently the Dutch found the occupation of competition from other nations often inwards the shape of so-called �interloper companies� the Dutch sailors who united unusual flags as well as tried to compete inwards that way with those who were involved inwards the official charter fellowship -the West Republic of Republic of India Company.
In the years betwixt 1648-1659 nosotros regard specially the activities of the notorious renegade official of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company, a Pole past times nativity called Caerlof. Caerlof who first off nether Swedish flag established a large number of merchandise lodges as well as forts, next door equally y'all tin say, to the existing Dutch forts, so returned to Europe, made utilization of the fact the King of Sweden got himself involved inwards a state of war with the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as returned to the Gold Coast a 2nd fourth dimension nether Danish flag as well as promptly �conquered� his ain establishments! In the halt the Dutch inherited dorsum from the Danes most of these merchandise posts. One of the major results of this episode was the proliferation of novel forts. Caerlof built a foundation for Cape Coast Castle - Carolusburg - originally named after Charles X, so King of Sweden; also a fort at Takoradi, Butri, Anomabu as well as at Osu, the foundation of modern Christiansborg Castle. The episode of Caerlof also led to that extraordinary episode of the Dutch Fort Ruychaver (excuse me for pronunciation) when the Dutch built rattling far inland, inwards fact virtually 40 miles from the coast, a little fort on the correct banking concern of the Ankobra inwards the middle of the richest aureate producing expanse known then, close modern Prestea, silent an of import mining town, where they did for sometime a profitable trade. But presently it appeared the merchandise post was much too isolated. The commander of the fort got into a palaver with some of the chiefs as well as inwards the halt saw no other solution, since he could non communicate chop-chop with the coast, than to blow his attackers, together with himself, up! Which was the untimely halt of Fort Ruychaver!
Again after the episode of Caerlof quietness did non finally for a long time; presently the Dutch had to confront some other competition That was when the English linguistic communication decided to set upwards store inwards a bigger way after the Restoration when the novel King of England, Charles II, with his friends, decided to dabble a flake inwards overseas expansion. The early on English linguistic communication companies had non been rattling successful but at nowadays they had total financial back upwards as well as of course, total political support. The outcome of this was that inwards 1664 having been annoyed on several occasions past times the Dutch, the English linguistic communication decided to send a surprise fleet non only to the Gold Coast but also to the Dutch possessions inwards America, nether 1 Admiral Holmes. Indeed they were taken past times surprise as well as many of the forts were taken with the exception of Elmina Castle of course. But the Dutch too had their surprise inwards store for the English linguistic communication because before the English linguistic communication could gear upwards themselves properly to ward off a counter-attack - all this took spot inwards official peace time! - the Dutch sent Admiral De Ruyter who chop-chop recovered most of the lost forts as well as also conquered the original English linguistic communication headquarters at Kormantin, leaving nevertheless to the English linguistic communication the old Swedish fort of Carolusburg at Cape Coast.
It's a rattling essential episode that happened inwards 1664-1665 as well as that affected also y'all Americans. Because it was inwards that same naval state of war that the Dutch also lost New Amsterdam which was named after the Duke of York, blood brother of Charles II, after James II, who played an of import role inwards overseas expansion equally I've said. So New Amsterdam became New York as well as inwards revenge the Dutch named the old English linguistic communication fort at Kormantin after Amsterdam - perhaps to create upwards for the loss of �New Amsterdam�! The Duke of York indeed continued to involvement himself inwards the African enterprise. It was he also who first off encouraged the striking of the famous Guineas, the aureate coins made of Republic of Guinea gold, which were so pure that inwards fact they became worth to a greater extent than than the official pound sterling. Until quite of late the English linguistic communication used the term �Guinea� to announce the equivalent of 21 shillings.
In 1672 the Africa merchandise was spot on a novel as well as sounder ground inwards England with the foundation of the Royal African Company which became the keen competitor of the Dutch West Indian Company inwards this portion of the world. It was this Royal Africa Company which also built hither inwards Accra, James Fort.
Again at that spot are few Americans who realize that James Fort as well as New York are genuinely named after the same person. As if the province of affairs wasn't complicated enough, inwards the 1680s nosotros larn in 1 trial again a novel land establishing itself - the Brandenburg African Company, inwards fact, some other Dutch interloper company, which established a fairly large fort at Princes Town as well as a few modest stations inwards Ahanta; highly annoying for the Dutch who upwards to that fourth dimension thought the Ahanta area, closest to the aureate producing area, was alone theirs. All this competition was bound to atomic number 82 to turmoil, also within the interior of the Gold Coast as well as this nosotros regard take spot indeed after 1690 when specially the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch got involved inwards their endlessly complicated serial of wars known equally the Komenda wars, centered around Komenda where both Dutch as well as English linguistic communication built a fort within shooting make of each other. Komenda was also described inwards a famous volume past times William Bosman which shows how this cut-throat competition non only led to a full general involvement of the English linguistic communication as well as the Dutch inwards the politics of the immediate interior but also led to a gradual decline inwards the provide of gold. So that past times 1700 inwards fact the aureate merchandise was so much inwards decline that Europe had to facial expression also to the Gold Coast for that other keen �commodity� from Africa - commodity inwards quotation marks - slaves. It was only after 1700 that the slave merchandise became of import on the Gold Coast, which, past times the Portuguese as well as also for a long fourth dimension past times the Dutch, was ever regarded equally unfit for the slave trade. For slave merchandise y'all needed state of war as well as with state of war merchandise paths from the aureate mines to the coast could non remain open. We recognize this episode, the chapter of the slave trade, also the construction of the forts with the relatively novel extensions inwards the shape of hollow bastions, slave prisons, of which nosotros silent observe this notorious representative inwards Cape Coast Castle - the dungeons. Around 1700 also, although their competition continued to live unsuccessful, we've seen attempts of the French to penetrate - much feared past times the English linguistic communication as well as Dutch as well as the Danes as well as Brandenburgers. Though planned with keen grandeur cipher comes out of it but a little wooden fort which lasted only 2 years. In the belatedly 18th century nosotros observe silent a number of forts built at the extremes of the Gold Coast - the English linguistic communication at Beyin inwards Nzima area, the Danes at Keta, Ada, as well as also a little British fort at Prampram. But the keen historic menses of fort edifice was genuinely over past times that time.
In the 19th century nosotros regard in 1 trial again an alone novel evolution which inwards a way is dorsum to �square one�! The Portuguese started past times edifice defences mainly on the landside. We regard that it in 1 trial again became necessary to build defences on the landside, this fourth dimension against the invading Asante or, inwards the instance of Elmina, against the Fante, who were the keen enemies of Elminas. So around Cape Coast as well as Elmina nosotros regard inwards the 19th century the construction of a number of fortifications which are genuinely non meant for merchandise but purely for protection. In fact Coenraadsburg Fort, built inwards 1665, inwards the days of Holmes as well as De Ruyter, is the only fort which was built for defense forcefulness purposes as well as non for merchandise alongside the forts of Ghana. In the 19th century also nosotros observe some attempts for the foundation of plantations. But on the other manus the African trading elite became independent as well as nosotros regard established centers inwards such places equally Axim or Cape Coast or Sekondi of the grand houses of the first off independent African traders. The smaller forts began to autumn into decay. The castles themselves became at nowadays mainly authorities offices - rattling piffling merchandise is genuinely done at that spot - or regular army barracks. Cape Coast first off was actually, after the deviation of the Dutch inwards 1872, the uppercase of the Gold Coast. But inwards 1876 the English linguistic communication moved their uppercase to Accra as well as made Christiansborg the spot of authorities which is what it is upwards to this rattling day. Other forts are turned into post offices or ease houses but it's only inwards around 1950 the province begins in 1 trial again to go officially interested inwards these buildings as well as monuments. Now inwards the 1970s nosotros are getting to the phase where all these forts are beingness restored. In Cape Coast Castle a museum is going to opened upwards rattling soon, Elmina Castle volition live turned into a tourist hostel as well as most of the other forts volition serve equally ease houses.
I think it is nearly fourth dimension that I stop. But silent I would similar to say a few words . . . �Stop looking at your watch!� . . . a few words virtually life inwards as well as around the forts because that is something which people visiting these places don't ever realize - what was life genuinely similar inwards these forts.
They are sometimes called ships permanently at anchor inwards the days of the companies. The whole organisation of social life inwards the forts was rattling much similar that on a ship. Very important, key for the fort, was the flag - rattling essential that the flag was hoisted rattling early on inwards the forenoon as well as lowered belatedly at night. And also, if y'all were a trader, to create sure as shooting that y'all went to the correct place. Between Cape Coast as well as Anomabu y'all had v forts of 2 or 3 different nations. If y'all were just one-half a mile incorrect y'all could facial expression to live shot at past times the enemy. So it was indeed essential that y'all clearly showed yourself past times your colours. That is also why y'all observe on those old engravings those unbelievable large pieces of textile hanging over these forts.
Life inwards the fort was furthermore similar on ship - regulated past times bells as well as the threescore minutes glass. Bells 1 may observe only inwards a few places silent extant but many of these forts silent take hold bell towers that are at nowadays empty - for instance the circular tower of Elmina Castle on the northeast side. Then rattling of import similar on ships was the firing of salutes. Every fourth dimension a ship arrived salutes were fired. It is interesting to know that some forts inwards fact had such first-class natural defences or were so unimportant that they take hold never fired anything but salutes. Places similar Butri had something similar 20 cannon but those cannon had never been used for anything other than firing salutes. The commercial as well as political hierarchy inwards the forts was parallel to as well as sometimes coincided with the armed forces hierarchy. Of the companies the West Indian Company was the most permanent - as well as personally I tin tell y'all to a greater extent than as well as I experience to a greater extent than confident on that land of study rather than on that of the Danish, High German or English linguistic communication companies. For the day-to-day authorities at Elmina the Director-General was assisted past times a Council consisting the main merchant, the financial bookkeeper-general, some main factors; as well as so he was assisted exterior Elmina past times factors as well as sub factors who commanded the modest forts. The council, consisting of the aforementioned, decided on policy of merchandise as well as full general politics also, equally much equally it involved making treaties with local chiefs. In fact the director-general as well as council did constitute a sort of existent authorities as well as had considerable power, much greater powerfulness than whatever modern trading fellowship acting inwards this country. Scribes of course of instruction had extremely hard piece of work before the days of the typewriter. All of import letters had to live made at to the lowest degree inwards triplo, 1 re-create for the local file, 1 re-create for the directors inwards Amsterdam - the so-called assembly of 10; as well as 1 re-create for 1 of the diverse chapters of the West Indian Company concerned. The Company was sub-divided inwards 5 chambers representing the major trading cities inwards the Netherlands. Also the communications with the Netherlands were extremely slow, specially the outwards send service from the Gold Coast to Europe which sometimes took to a greater extent than than 1� years because ships could non canvass but from the upper coast to the lower coast with the electrical flow as well as the prevailing winds. All of y'all take hold been swimming sometimes inwards the sea hither as well as know that the electrical flow is ever from the westward to the east. When y'all are looking at the airdrome all the planes are ever taking off against the nearly permanent western winds. So letters from Gold Coast to the Netherlands had to go all the way to the West Indies as well as sometimes to North America before they reached home.
And so for instance I sometimes found references to well-known events - for instance to the expiry of Queen Ann which I believe was inwards 1714, which was commemorated inwards a alphabetic character written inwards 1718 because that was the first off fourth dimension they had heard she died - after to a greater extent than than 3 years! Another incident which is interesting to annotation how essential it was indeed to canvass from the westward to the E non the E to the westward - inwards 1641 when the Dutch tried to conquer Axim, where, the Portuguese were silent holding out after the Dutch had captured Elmina they sent a little fleet - unwisely inwards the rainy flavor when the winds as well as the electrical flow are strongest - inwards monastic tell to capture Axim. But after 4� weeks the commander of this fleet decided to homecoming because he had reached only Takoradi!
Furthermore social life at the forts must take hold been extremely dull really. The only way of amusing oneself was drinking as well as that is in all probability what has also given the Republic of Guinea Coast the hollo �white man's grave�! - non that the climate was so unhealthy but that people drank themselves to death! Life was extremely, severely regulated. The gates of the castle closed at nighttime at seven; the drawbridges, if they were there, were drawn up. And yet all these preventive measures, did non forbid the ascent of a mulatto class. Of course of instruction 1 should non live too hard on the men of those days because at that spot were rattling few European women around as well as those that did come upwards either died or were indeed hardly attractive equally I empathise from descriptions. These women sometimes occupied their gratis time, as well as they had lots of gratis time, with the distribution of large quantities of bibles which I'm afraid were non rattling much read! There were of course of instruction attempts to constitute schools inwards the castles, specially at Cape Coast as well as Elmina but in 1 trial again it was non rattling successful as well as to my surprise, fifty-fifty inwards modern works on Ghanaian education, this is stressed far more, these early on failures of the early on castle schools, than the much to a greater extent than of import preparation which was given inwards the courtyards - these workshops where many Africans were trained inwards such useful crafts equally carpentry, ship repairing, as well as gardening. Gardening in 1 trial again was mainly done for the inhabitants of the forts or for the provide for the ships. But at to the lowest degree they had the effect inwards this ground that many novel crops were introduced, such equally tomatoes, maize, some people fifty-fifty say the ameliorate qualities of yam. And these must take hold originally come upwards from these castle gardens.
Well I've tried to remain within the boundary of time. I'm non sure as shooting how clear I've been but at to the lowest degree I hope I've been clear plenty to arouse some questions inwards you.
- In monastic tell to tell y'all something, though non everything, virtually the forts as well as castles inwards Ghana, I'll assay to live short, but it is a land of study virtually which 1 tin write piffling books as well as tell a lot inwards much to a greater extent than than an hour. This even I'll tell y'all briefly something virtually what are merchandise forts; why they were built hither inwards Ghana; what is their historical importance. I would similar to tell something virtually their mutual characteristics; then, I cannot avoid it, of course, equally an historian, to tell y'all something which y'all could telephone telephone a brief history. And finally I would similar to tell y'all something virtually what life was similar inwards the forts as well as around the forts. So, hither nosotros go . . .
|
Van Danzig, A, (transl), The Dutch as well as the Republic of Guinea Coast, 1674-1742 H5N1 collection of Documents from the General State Archives at the Hague. Republic of Ghana Academy of Arts as well as Sciences Accra 1978
| from: Van Dantzig, A, Het Nederlandse Aandeel inwards de Slawenhandel Fibula 1968 (in Dutch) Jan Pranger, "governor of the Gold Coast." In the background, an African servant. Through the window, inwards the distance, fort Coenraadsburgh is visible. Painting past times Frans van der Mijn, 1742 credit Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam |
Wartemberg, J, Sao Jorge d'El Mina, Premier West African European Settlement: Its traditions as well as customs (Ilfracombe no date)
- van Kessel, I (ed.) Merchants, Missionaries & Migrants: 300 years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations. Kit Publishers & Sub-Saharan Publishers, 2002.
- Authors: E. Kusruri, D. Kpobi, D.K. Arhinful, H. van der Zee, A. Pakosie, J.J. Vrij, N. Everts, V.K. Nyanteng,
- In Nov 1701, David van Nyendael, an envoy of the Dutch West Republic of Republic of India Company (WIC) was the first off European to see the royal courtroom inwards Kumasi, uppercase of the emerging Ashanti empire inwards the hinterland of the Gold Coast. Three hundred years of Dutch-Ghanaian relations take hold passed since then.
- Merchants, Missionaries as well as Migrants � 300 years of Dutch � Ghanaian Relations focuses on diverse aspects of the long-standing as well as intricate economic, political, cultural as well as human ties - past as well as present- between Ghanaians as well as Dutchmen.
- Experts from Ghana, the Netherlands, Surinam as well as Republic of Indonesia nowadays their enquiry findings on these issues. These fascinating histories deserve a broad audience. They delineate a broad make of topics from Dutch-Ghanaian history: from the merchandise inwards gold, ivory as well as slaves to the cocoa trade; from liaisons betwixt European men as well as African women inwards previous centuries to present-day Ghanaian migration to the Netherlands; from the involuntary migration of x of thousands of slaves to the plantations inwards Surinam to the piffling known history of the African soldiers who sailed from Elmina to serve inwards the Dutch regular army inwards the East Indies; as well as from the role of Dutch genever in Ghanaian ritual to the dramatic life story of Jacobus Capitein, the first off dark Christian government minister to live ordained inwards the Netherlands.
- Yarak, Larry W, Asante as well as the Dutch 1744-1873 Clarendon Press Oxford 1990 (quotations as well as notes)
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
9 sika sene, biribi nsen bio: Wealth surpasses everything sika ne ohene: money is king
44 Elmina to Kumasi 10 -12 days
95 In add-on to an overriding concern to go on Dutch domination of the Akan merchandise inwards exported gold, a major incentive for the Dutch to expand their commercial as well as armed forces presence inwards West Africa was the want to facilitate the procurement of slaves for the carbohydrate plantations of the New World. In 1734 the West Indian Company lost its monopoly to gratis Dutch traders inwards the slave merchandise equally access to the forts was opened to gratis Dutch traders. The company's direct participation inwards the slave merchandise ended presently thereafter equally private trading companies such equally the Middelburgsche Commercie Compagne assumed the chore of supplying the Dutch plantations inwards the Caribbean.
100 From 1735 until its dissolution inwards 1791 the West Indian company's activities on the Gold Coast were limited to those of an officially sanctioned direction trunk overseeing the staffing as well as physical maintenance of the Dutch forts. However, it remained the responsibleness of their personnel at the coast to regard to it that sufficient slaves were available for purchase past times the gratis Dutch traders inwards substitution for licensing fees as well as a duty on each slave purchased at the forts. Moreover, from 1754 fellowship employees were allowed to engage inwards private merchandise spell carrying out their official duties inwards the forts, a do that would go on good into the 19th century.
100 Dutch slave exports peaked inwards the 1760s when a total of some 70000 slaves were loaded onto Dutch ships. In Oct 1771 -- during previous 12 months 1500-1600 slaves were exported from Elmina. Annual average for 1770s 4900
- Summary : This study is based on the records of the Dutch coastal administration's Council of Senior Officials, roofing the menses betwixt 1815-1830. They provide fascinating as well as often vivid glimpses into otherwise obscure conditions of life. At a to a greater extent than analytical level, however, these records document important aspects of social tension within Elmina's shape structure. The cases dealt with involve theft, as well as murder, attempted murder of conspiracy to commit murder. Notes.
- 15 Introduction of maize at outset of 19th century
OTHER LINKS AND REFERENCES
Ancient Dutch forts as well as castles inwards Ghana
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