Question

How were slaves sold once they reached the americas?

Answer 1

On reaching the Americas the crew of slave ships prepared the Africans for sale. They washed, shaved and rubbed them with palm oil to disguise sores and wounds caused by conditions on board. The captains usually sold their captives directly to planters or specialised wholesalers by auction. Families who had managed to stay together were now often broken up. Bonds formed during the voyage were also broken.

Immediately owners and their overseers sought to obliterate the identities of their newly acquired slaves, to break their wills and sever any bonds with the past. They forced Africans to adapt to new working and living conditions, to learn a new language and adopt new customs. They called this process 'seasoning' and it could last two or three years.

For Africans, weakened by the trauma of the voyage, the brutality of this process was overwhelming. Many died or committed suicide. Others resisted and were punished. The rest found ways of appearing to conform which still preserved their dignity.

Answer 2

Slaves were brought to America in very poor conditions, sick, weak, malnourished, and wounded. However, these slaves needed to be sold, and it was necessary for them to have the appearance that they were fit to work to incediv the people of buying them.

When the slave ship arrived in America the slaves were washed, shaved and had their wounds hidden. After all this they were exposed for sale and were usually bought by planters or auction wholesalers. After the purchase, the slaves were subjected to a severe process of suppression of their native culture, where they were obliged to adore the language, customs and religion practiced in America.