For many individuals of Curaçaoan descent, the prevalent understanding of their island’s history is often rooted in the painful realities of slavery and Dutch colonization. The legacy of the transatlantic slave trade looms large, and the awareness of being descendants of African individuals forcibly brought to the island is widespread. These African ancestors endured the harrowing journey on cramped ships and were subsequently compelled to toil on the island’s numerous plantations.
For more than 400 years slavery has been abolished, signaling a new era for the island. However, when conversations shift toward the specifics of this historical period, discomfort often emerges. Questions about the whereabouts of ancestral cemeteries, living and working conditions, prove challenging to answer.
Empowering the Community through Heritage
In the realm of heritage research, a considerable hurdle lies in the imbalance of scholarly attention between privileged and less privileged groups. The historical experiences of marginalized communities such as women, the impoverished, children, the illiterate, and the enslaved have not received adequate investigation compared to the documented histories of more visible and powerful segments of society.
The Kaminda Nos a Prosperá Project
A critical endeavor, The Kaminda nos a Prosperá Project, aims to bridge this gap and shed light on the overlooked aspects of Curaçao’s cultural heritage. Specifically, the project focuses on comprehensively researching and visualizing the cultural landscape of the historical Afro-Curaçaoan population, encompassing both enslaved and free-colored groups. By making this knowledge accessible, we empower the community, instilling a deeper understanding of its roots. Knowledge equates to power; as we grasp our history and glean vital lessons from it, we forge a path to collective healing and progress, steering clear of past missteps and uniting to build a brighter future.
Mapping the Cultural Landscape
The research seeks to visually represent the cultural landscape of Afro-Curaçaoans in Curaçao through a multi-step approach. Initial efforts involve comprehensive research, including exploration of the National Archaeological Anthropological Memory Management (NAAM) heritage collection, archival and literature research, and the utilization of historical maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. These sources offer both tangible and intangible insights into the heritage of Afro-Curaçaoans. The NAAM collection, comprising archaeological and anthropological records, as well as a diverse library, serves as a valuable resource for this exploration. Additional research involves delving into the National Archives of Curaçao and the Netherlands, with a focus on historical maps and GIS systems to enhance understanding. Subsequently, a geographically comprehensive Afro-Curaçaoan Cultural Landscape map from circa 1540 to 1954 will be produced, enriched with visual elements illustrating various aspects of the community’s history and activities. This map will be made available in both digital and analog formats for accessibility and dissemination.
Unveiling Curaçao’s Unique Afro-Curaçaoan Cultural Landscape
The Kaminda Nos a Prosperá Project will accomplish the following objectives:
- The creation of the Afro-Curaçaoan Cultural Landscape map, encompassing both digital and analog versions, spanning from circa 1540 to 1954. This marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the Caribbean region.
- Generating awareness about the ongoing presence of Afro-Curaçaoan heritage, emphasizing the urgency for its preservation due to mounting external pressures like development, tourism, and natural erosion.
- The Kaminda Nos a Prosperá Project aims to unveil the diverse tapestry of Afro-Curaçaoan history, challenging prevalent perceptions and showcasing the resilience of individuals who crafted a life on the island amidst significant adversities.
- Significantly contributing to educational and research endeavors, The Kaminda Nos a Prosperá Project will furnish valuable data for various domains, including archaeology, osteology, anthropology, DNA studies, dating methodologies, and more.
