What is the demographic breakdown of Barbados's population by ethnicity according to the provided information?

The population of Barbados is predominantly Black, with 92.4% identifying as Black and an additional 3.1% identifying as multiracial, based on 2010 estimates. This means that Afro-Barbadians and those of mixed African and other ancestries constitute the vast majority of the island's inhabitants.

Besides Barbados itself, in which countries are significant populations of Afro-Barbadians found?

Significant populations of Afro-Barbadians can be found in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, indicating a notable diaspora in these nations.

What languages are spoken by Afro-Barbadians?

Afro-Barbadians primarily speak English, along with Bajan Creole, which is a distinct dialect reflecting their cultural heritage.

What are the main religious affiliations among Afro-Barbadians?

The religious landscape for Afro-Barbadians includes Christianity as the dominant faith, alongside adherents of the Rastafari movement, various African diaspora religions, traditional African religions, and Islam.

To which broader ethnic categories do Afro-Barbadians belong?

Afro-Barbadians are part of the larger Afro-Caribbean people group and are also considered within the broader context of the African diaspora.

What does the statue of Bussa represent in the context of Barbadian history?

The statue depicts Bussa, who was an African-born leader of a significant slave revolt in Barbados, symbolizing resistance against oppression.

Who is depicted in the portrait of Dr. Christopher James Davis?

The portrait shows Dr. Christopher James Davis, a notable Barbadian individual.

What is Rihanna's significance in relation to Afro-Barbadians?

Rihanna is identified as a prominent singer of Afro-Barbadian heritage, representing a successful figure from the community.

How are Afro-Barbadians defined?

Afro-Barbadians are defined as Barbadian citizens who are of entirely or predominantly African descent.

From which regions of Africa were the majority of enslaved individuals brought to Barbados?

The primary regions from which enslaved Africans were brought to Barbados were the Bight of Biafra, the Gold Coast, and the Bight of Benin. These areas supplied the largest numbers of enslaved people for the island's plantations.

What specific ethnic groups constituted the enslaved populations from key African regions brought to Barbados?

Enslaved Africans from the Bight of Biafra were mainly Igbo, Ibibio, and Efik people. Those from the Gold Coast were predominantly Akan, particularly Fante and Asante. From the Bight of Benin came primarily Yoruba, Ewe, and Fon people, while Central Africa contributed mainly Kongo people.

Did the Royal African Company have preferences regarding the origins of enslaved Africans it transported to Barbados?

Yes, the Royal African Company had specific preferences for the origins of enslaved people it transported to Barbados, sometimes valuing slaves from certain regions more than others. This indicates a strategic approach to sourcing labor based on perceived qualities or origins.

What was the demographic situation in Barbados when English settlers first arrived?

When English settlers arrived in the 1620s, Barbados was largely unpopulated, as its indigenous Amerindian inhabitants had either left or been captured by European slave traders. This lack of existing population facilitated the establishment of the colonial system.

How did the adoption of sugar production influence the development of slavery in Barbados?

The adoption of sugar production as Barbados's central industry led European colonists to pass laws legitimizing slavery and establish large plantations that relied heavily on enslaved Africans for labor. Sugar cultivation became intrinsically linked with the institution of slavery on the island.

How was Barbados's economy structured around sugar production, and what was the impact on land ownership?

Sugar and rum were the primary focus of Barbados's industry, leading to the division of the island into large plantation estates. These large estates replaced the small landholdings of early settlers as wealthy planters acquired more land.

What role did the Irish play in early Barbados?

The Irish, referring to poor white slaves and planters, served as the island's first police force and fishermen. They were part of the early colonial labor force before the dominance of enslaved Africans.

How did the importation of enslaved Africans alter the demographic balance in Barbados?

The extensive importation of black Africans as slaves led to them outnumbering white inhabitants significantly. By the late 17th century, blacks outnumbered whites two to one, and by the 18th century, the ratio was three blacks for every one planter.

Beyond cultivating and processing sugarcane, what other tasks did enslaved people perform on Barbadian plantations?

Enslaved individuals performed a variety of tasks, including raising livestock, fertilizing the soil, growing subsistence crops (intercropping), maintaining plantation infrastructure, and caregiving. This shows a broader range of labor than just the primary cash crop.

How did the population of Barbados, particularly the enslaved population, change between the mid-17th and mid-18th centuries?

The enslaved population grew substantially, from around 8,000 in the mid-1640s to approximately 33,000 by the mid-1670s, while the European population also fluctuated. By the mid-1650s, there was near parity between Africans and Europeans, but enslaved Africans became the majority.

What was the impact of slave codes on the white population and what was the response from enslaved people?

The implementation of slave codes, which created differential treatment between Africans and European workers, made the island less attractive to poor whites. In response to these codes, several slave rebellions were attempted or planned, though none were successful.

What demographic shifts occurred within the Black population of Barbados during the 18th century?

In the 18th century, most Black Barbadians were born on the island, fostering a distinct Barbadian identity. Unlike other Caribbean islands, Barbados had a higher percentage of women than men in its Black population, which facilitated natural reproduction and population growth without constant reliance on new imports.

How did plantation ownership evolve in Barbados, particularly after 1750?

Increasingly after 1750, many plantations were owned by absentee landlords who lived in Great Britain, with hired managers operating the estates. This shift in ownership structure impacted the management and operation of the sugar estates.

Approximately how many enslaved Africans were sent to Barbados between 1627 and 1807, and what happened to many of them?

It is estimated that approximately 387,000 enslaved Africans were sent to Barbados between 1627 and 1807. Many of these individuals, particularly through Bridgetown, were re-exported to other regions, including North America, other Caribbean islands, and Venezuela.

When did the slave trade cease in Barbados, and when were slaves emancipated?

The slave trade was abolished in 1807, and enslaved people were emancipated in Barbados in 1834. These events marked significant turning points in the island's history.

How is Barbadian culture, particularly its music, described in terms of its influences?

Barbadian culture is described as syncretic, blending African and European elements, with some influence from Indigenous peoples. Its musical culture is perceived as a mixture of African and British music, incorporating unique elements derived from Indigenous sources.

What was a significant dynamic within Barbadian history related to cultural expressions?

A major element of Barbadian history involved tension between African and British cultures, which manifested in various ways, including the banning of certain African-derived practices and the creation of Afro-Barbadian parodies of British traditions.

What are the primary influences on Barbadian cuisine?

Barbadian cuisine is characterized by a blend of foods influenced by both African and British culinary traditions.

What are the dominant religious practices among Barbadians?

The majority of Barbadians are Christian, whether actively practicing or not. Additionally, the Rastafari movement has a community of adherents on the island.

Can you list some notable individuals of Afro-Barbadian descent mentioned in the article?

Notable individuals of Afro-Barbadian descent mentioned include Abiola Grant, Ackeel Applewhaite, Hadan Holligan, Nadre Butcher, Kieran Gibbs, Emmerson Boyce, Rihanna, Tajio James, Thierry Gale, Yewande Omotoso, Danny Gabbidon, Nick Blackman, Louie Soares, Tom Soares, Jomo Harris, La'Vere Corbin-Ong, Rashad Jules, Rhian Brewster, Nicoli Brathwaite, and Dr. Christopher James Davis.

What other Barbadian ethnic group is mentioned in the See also section?

The See also section lists White Barbadians, indicating a comparison or related group within the island's population.

Which specific ethnic groups were primarily enslaved from the Bight of Biafra and brought to Barbados?

The enslaved Africans brought to Barbados from the Bight of Biafra were primarily Igbo, Ibibio, and Efik people.

Who were the main ethnic groups enslaved from the Gold Coast and transported to Barbados?

The enslaved individuals transported to Barbados from the Gold Coast were predominantly Akan people, specifically from the Fante and Asante groups.

What were the primary ethnic origins of enslaved people from the Bight of Benin who were brought to Barbados?

Enslaved Africans from the Bight of Benin who arrived in Barbados were mainly Yoruba, Ewe, and Fon people.

Which ethnic group primarily constituted the enslaved population from Central Africa sent to Barbados?

The enslaved people from Central Africa brought to Barbados were primarily Kongo people.

What was the status of the indigenous Amerindian inhabitants of Barbados when the English settlers arrived?

When English settlers arrived in the 1620s, Barbados was largely unpopulated because its indigenous Amerindian inhabitants had either fled to other countries or had been captured by European slave traders.

Were there successful slave rebellions in Barbados during the period of increasing slave codes?

While several slave rebellions were attempted or planned in response to the implementation of slave codes, none of them succeeded.

What is the estimated total number of enslaved Africans brought to Barbados between 1627 and 1807?

Between 1627 and 1807, it is estimated that approximately 387,000 enslaved Africans were transported to Barbados.

In what year were slaves emancipated in Barbados?

Slaves were emancipated in Barbados in the year 1834.

How is the syncretic nature of Barbadian culture reflected in its various aspects?

Barbadian culture is syncretic, meaning it is a blend of different cultural influences. This is evident in its music, which mixes African and British styles with Indigenous elements, and in its cuisine, which combines foods from African and British traditions.

What role did enslaved people play in maintaining plantation infrastructure in Barbados?

Enslaved individuals were involved in maintaining plantation infrastructure, which included tasks necessary for the upkeep and operation of the large agricultural estates. This highlights their contribution beyond direct crop cultivation.

What specific soil management technique was employed by enslaved people on Barbadian plantations?

A notable soil management technique used by enslaved people was intercropping, where subsistence crops were planted between the rows of cash crops like sugarcane. This practice required skilled observation of growing conditions for efficient land use.

When did the populations of Africans and Europeans in Barbados reach near parity?

By the mid-1650s, the populations of Africans and Europeans in Barbados were nearly equal, with approximately 20,000 Africans and 25,000 Europeans. This marked a significant demographic shift towards an African majority.

Who increasingly owned plantations in Barbados after 1750?

After 1750, plantations in Barbados were increasingly owned by absentee landlords who lived in Great Britain, with hired managers operating the estates.

Does the Rastafari movement have a presence among Afro-Barbadians?

Yes, the Rastafari movement has a community of adherents among Afro-Barbadians, indicating the diversity of religious and spiritual practices within the community.

How many enslaved people were brought to Barbados from Senegambia and the Windward Coast, respectively?

Approximately 14,000 enslaved Africans came from Senegambia, and about 13,000 came from the Windward Coast to Barbados.

How many enslaved individuals were imported to Barbados from Sierra Leone?

Around 9,000 enslaved individuals were imported to Barbados from Sierra Leone.

What is the main article referenced regarding the legal framework of slavery in Barbados?

The main article referenced concerning the legal framework of slavery in Barbados is the Barbados Slave Code.

Besides African and European elements, what other influence is noted in Barbadian culture?

Barbadian culture and music also incorporate elements derived from the Indigenous peoples of the island.

What was the estimated economic value of the colony of Barbados in 1730-31?

In 1730-31, the estimated economic value of the colony of Barbados was as much as £5,500,000.

Afro-barbadians Wiki: The Afro-Barbadian Tapestry: Roots, Resilience, and Rhythms

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Origins: The African Roots

Forced Migration and Diverse Origins

The demographic foundation of Afro-Barbadians is primarily rooted in the transatlantic slave trade. Historical records indicate that the majority of enslaved Africans brought to Barbados originated from specific regions of West and Central Africa. These included substantial numbers from the Bight of Biafra (approximately 62,000 individuals), the Gold Coast (around 59,000), and the Bight of Benin (about 45,000). Additional significant populations arrived from Central Africa (29,000), Senegambia (14,000), the Windward Coast (13,000), and Sierra Leone (9,000).

Specific Ethnic Groups

Within these broader regions, distinct ethnic groups formed the enslaved population. Those from the Bight of Biafra were predominantly Igbo, Ibibio, and Efik peoples. The Gold Coast population largely comprised Akan peoples, particularly the Fante and Asante. The Bight of Benin contributed Yoruba, Ewe, and Fon individuals. Central African arrivals were mainly of Kongo origin. The Royal African Company, a significant entity in the slave trade operating in Barbados, developed preferences for slaves from certain regions, often based on perceived value or suitability for plantation labor.

Historical Trajectory: From Plantation to Emancipation

Early Settlement and the Rise of Sugar

Upon the arrival of English settlers in the 1620s, Barbados was largely uninhabited, its indigenous Amerindian population having been displaced or captured. The island's economy rapidly shifted towards sugar production, establishing large plantations that became the cornerstone of its industry. This transition led to the implementation of laws legitimizing slavery, creating a society heavily reliant on enslaved Africans. The economic dominance of sugar made Barbados a pivotal hub in the British Empire's colonial enterprise.

The Plantation System and Slave Codes

As the sugar industry flourished, Barbados was reorganized into extensive plantation estates. The influx of enslaved Africans dramatically altered the island's demographics; by the late 17th century, Black individuals outnumbered whites by a ratio of two to one, a disparity that grew in the 18th century. The implementation of increasingly stringent slave codes, beginning in 1661, formalized the differential treatment of Africans compared to European indentured servants and the planter class. These codes, enacted in 1661, 1676, 1682, and 1688, were met with resistance, including several attempted slave rebellions, though none were successful.

Economic Powerhouse and Demographic Shifts

By 1660, Barbados generated more trade than all other English colonies combined, a position it held until surpassed by Jamaica in 1713. The island's economic value remained substantial, estimated at £5,500,000 in 1730-31. From the early 18th century, a significant demographic shift occurred: most Black Barbadians were now island-born, fostering a distinct Barbadian identity. Unlike many other Caribbean islands, Barbados experienced a higher birth rate than mortality rate among its Black population, reducing reliance on new imports to sustain labor output. Despite this, African slave imports continued into the early 19th century. Increasingly, plantations were managed by hired overseers for absentee landlords residing in Great Britain.

Trade, Re-exportation, and Emancipation

Between 1627 and 1807, an estimated 387,000 enslaved Africans were transported to Barbados. The island, particularly Bridgetown, served as a hub for re-exporting slaves to North America, other Caribbean islands, and mainland South America. The Royal African Company established offices in Barbados, facilitating this trade. The slave trade officially ceased in 1807, and slavery was formally abolished in Barbados in 1834, marking a pivotal moment in the island's history.

Afro-Barbadian Culture: A Syncretic Blend

Musical Heritage

The musical landscape of Barbados is a vibrant synthesis, drawing heavily from African rhythms and traditions, blended with European influences, and incorporating elements from the island's Indigenous peoples. This cultural fusion has resulted in unique Barbadian musical forms. Historically, there has been a dynamic interplay between African-derived practices and British cultural expressions, sometimes marked by tension, including the historical banning of certain African traditions and the creation of Afro-Barbadian parodies of British customs.

Culinary Traditions

Barbadian cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage, presenting a delightful amalgamation of African and British culinary influences. This blend is evident in the island's staple dishes and cooking methods, offering a distinct gastronomic experience shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.

Religious Landscape

The religious adherence of most Barbadians is predominantly Christian. However, the island also hosts communities that practice or are influenced by the Rastafari movement, alongside various African diaspora religions and traditional African religious beliefs. Islam also has a presence within the Barbadian religious spectrum.

Notable Individuals

Figures of Influence

Afro-Barbadians have made significant contributions across various fields. Notable individuals include:

Abiola Grant
Ackeel Applewhaite
Hadan Holligan
Nadre Butcher
Kieran Gibbs
Emmerson Boyce
Rihanna (Global music icon and entrepreneur)
Tajio James
Thierry Gale
Yewande Omotoso (Author)
Danny Gabbidon
Nick Blackman
Louie Soares
Tom Soares
Jomo Harris
La'Vere Corbin-Ong
Rashad Jules
Rhian Brewster
Nicoli Brathwaite

Connections and Context

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References

Slavery and Economy in Barbados. Posted by Dr Karl Watson.

Justin Roberts, "Agriculture on Two Barbadian Sugar Plantations, 1796-97," William and Mary Quarterly 2006 63(3): 551-586.

Richard B. Sheridan, Sugar and Slavery: An Economic History of the British West Indies, 1623-1775, p. 144.

Millington, pg. 816 Millington notes that "(l)inks, fusion and tension between African and British cultural expressions are still currently manifested."

A full list of references for this article are available at the Afro-Barbadians Wikipedia page

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This content is not a substitute for primary source research or expert consultation. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source of truth, the information presented is based on a specific dataset and may not encompass all nuances or the most current scholarly perspectives. Users are strongly advised to consult original academic literature and engage with qualified educators or researchers for in-depth understanding and application of this subject matter.

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The Afro-Barbadian Tapestry

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins: The African Roots 🌳

🚢 Forced Migration and Diverse Origins

🌍 Specific Ethnic Groups

Historical Trajectory: From Plantation to Emancipation 📜

🏝️ Early Settlement and the Rise of Sugar

⛓️ The Plantation System and Slave Codes

📈 Economic Powerhouse and Demographic Shifts

🕊️ Trade, Re-exportation, and Emancipation

Afro-Barbadian Culture: A Syncretic Blend 🎨

🎵 Musical Heritage

🍽️ Culinary Traditions

🙏 Religious Landscape

Notable Individuals ⭐

🌟 Figures of Influence

Connections and Context 🔗

🤝 Related Groups and Topics

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice for Higher Education Students

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origins: The African Roots

Forced Migration and Diverse Origins

Specific Ethnic Groups

Historical Trajectory: From Plantation to Emancipation

Early Settlement and the Rise of Sugar

The Plantation System and Slave Codes

Economic Powerhouse and Demographic Shifts

Trade, Re-exportation, and Emancipation

Afro-Barbadian Culture: A Syncretic Blend

Musical Heritage

Culinary Traditions

Religious Landscape

Notable Individuals

Figures of Influence

Connections and Context

Related Groups and Topics

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice for Higher Education Students