Registros da liberdade: condições e possibilidades para alforria em Feira de Santana (Bahia, 1850-1880)

Abstract

The thesis investigates the relationship between manumissions and interprovincial trafficking in Feira de Santana in the second half of the 19th century. We examine the impact of the intensification of internal trade on the lives of enslaved people, taking into account their Family relationships, the valorization of color as a criterion for social hierarchy and the restrictions on the possibilities of obtaining freedom. Our analysis combined both the slaves' struggle experience and the structural determinations that weighed on their choices. For this, we used baptism records, letters of freedom, deeds of purchase and sale of captives, in addition to powers of attorney that authorized their negotiation.