Photo Essays: Roots - Retracing the Trans-Atlantic Slave Route
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
Men repairing an old dilapidated pier at Ganvie. It is commonly believed that the Tofinu people settled here around 400 years ago and built their lake village to escape slavers who came from the Fon tribe and were not allowed to fight in water for traditional reasons (or perhaps they could not swim). Hence the Tofinu were safe to build their homes on the water. Ganvie is known in Benin as the "Venice of Africa". Photo: Desmond Foo / The Straits Times
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
The International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is now observed each year on Aug 23 to remind people of the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
This date was chosen by UNESCO because an uprising on Aug 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Dominigue (present-day Haiti) triggered events and sweeping changes that eventually led to the abolition of the slave trade.
Slave trading began around the 15th century when Portuguese interest in Africa switched from gold to a commodity that was far more readily available - slaves.
By the 17th century, the trade was in full swing, reaching its zenith towards the end of the 18th century. Most of the slaves were exported via the West African nations of Ghana and Benin.
Those transported to the New World were largely Africans from the central and western parts of the continent. They were sold by other Africans to European slave traders, who then transported them to colonies in North and South America.
It is estimated that about 17 million slaves were traded on the transatlantic route.
The Straits Times photographer Desmond Foo recently visited Ghana and Benin, where the slave trade first gained a foothold.
Story in print by Desmond Foo: August 25, 2012
Copyright The Straits Times 2012
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