Final answer:
Slave traders rubbed oil on slaves' bodies to cover bruises and rashes, make their skin appear shinier and healthier, and as part of the dehumanizing process.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the transatlantic slave trade, slave traders rubbed oil on slaves' bodies before offering them for sale for a few reasons. One reason was to cover bruises and rashes, which could make the slaves appear healthier and more attractive to potential buyers. Another reason was to increase the slaves' apparent value by making their skin look shinier and healthier. Lastly, the act of oiling the slaves' bodies was also part of the dehumanizing process, where slaves were treated as objects and not as human beings.
Learn more about Transatlantic slave trade