Roots 1652 - 

Roots 1652 - Database

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! Sensitivity : It is crucial to handle this database with care and a strong sense of responsibility. Many of the terms used were originally assigned by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) and often do not reflect how individuals and groups identified themselves. The terms themselves can be misleading, as they oversimplify the complex social realities experienced by people at the time.

This database may also contains terms that are considered derogatory, offensive, or harmful. The concepts within it are deeply connected to a history of colonial violence, enslavement, and racism that persisted both during and after the VOC's existence.

While copying the data for this project, I was struck by the high degree of endogamy—intermarriage so prevalent it borders on incest—within the early Cape Colony. This intense interconnectedness immediately brought to mind the Aspen tree of North America.

Known as the largest and oldest organism on earth, the Aspen is actually a clone of its original self, sharing a massive, singular root system. Its stands appear as individual white trunks with multi-colored leaves, yet beneath the surface, they are one entity. Like the Aspen's roots, which can lie dormant for years before re-emerging when conditions are right, these genealogical lines are persistent and deeply entwined. It is for these shared origins and resilience that I have named this database Roots.

Database entries are listed according to estimated or established dates of birth. Where possible I have listed the last sale transaction for individuals who were enslaved.

Please note that slaves designated as from Angola may have been transported from anywhere in North Africa as the port of origin was Benin, and may not necessarily have been from the sub-Saharan country.

Bougies are a people from south western Sulawesi, and any person designated as "van Bougies" is therefore from the area.

Roots database transcribed by Lara Seaward

Sources: https://www.nationalforests.org (Accessed 08 December 2025)