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    Melikian Collection > Collections > Artworks > Collector's Favorites > Contract for Chinese Worker (from Slave to Freedom)


TYPE: Documents (Loose)
COMPONENTS: 4 pages; signed twice by slave on main page and Chinese page; graphics at the header.
NOTES: First time I have noticed the use of the word "free" on a Macao contract, an early example of the notion of slavery - freedom. Signed twice by the slave (I think that's a first too).
ITEM ID: 2979

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Contract for Chinese Worker (from Slave to Freedom)

DATE
Year: 1855
Decade: 1850s
Century: 19th (1801-1900)

A contract which traces the complete history of the slave to his freedom. In the last paragraph of page 2 it states “I the owner of this property (slave) give set him “free” and return this contract to him.” The use of the word “free” on a Macao contract is an early example of the notion of slavery – freedom. Signed twice by the slave, once on the main page, once on the Chinese page.