African Origins of AfroColombians
The Afro-Colombian population has its roots in various parts of the African continent. With help from the National Museum of Colombia, we are better able to understand the African origins of Afro-Colombians. This information traces the origins of the various groups of people of African descent in Colombia; namely, the origins of the black, afrocolombian, raizal and palenquera communities. The information printed below is translated from excerpts of the Museo Nacional's catalogue for the “Velorios Y Santos: comunidades negras, afrocolombianas, raizales y palenqueras” exhibition.
Ethnic Origins of the Africans taken to Cartagena 1533-1580
In the regions north of El Cauca we find the Zape people, along with the Balanta, Berbesí, Biáfara, Bran & Serere, who came from the area encompassing modern day Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone. Also brought during this time were the Yolofo and Mande or Mandinga who were from modern day Senegal and Mali. Their ancestors converted to Islam and most likely educated their illiterate Spanish masters. The Bijago, who resided on islands adjacent to Guinea Bissau, were also brought at this time. They were battle-hardened shipmen who rebelled at the loss of their freedom and, as soon as they descended from the slave ships, escaped and created palenques - free black communities that were never enslaved. Through the end of the 18th century, the Bijago freed slaves throughout the region of Cauca, Magdalena and the Pacific.
Ethnic Origins of the Africans taken to Cartagena 1580-1640
During these years we see the arrival of the Ánzico, Kongo, Manicongo & Ngola people who come from the Bantu linguistic family which resided in the basin of the Congo River. The Bantu were probably the most numerous slave population brought to Colombia. The majority were brought between 1580 and 1640 when the Spanish thought that the Bantu’s knowledge of the forest and acclimation to humid climates would be useful when penetrating the jungles south of Cauca and the Pacific. The Bantu had a highly developed philosophical system called “Muntu” that weaves humans with their ancestors and nature.
Ethnic Origins of the Africans taken to Cartagena 1640-1810
The Africans who arrived between 1640 and 1810 believed that their ancestors were eternal. They were the Mina and they were from modern day Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Members of the Akan linguistic family which includes the Ashanti, Fanti, Baule, Arara, Ewe and Fon, the Mina were exported from Saint George in Elmina (located in modern day Ghana) towards the Caribbean islands, explaining their notable influence in the islands of San Andres, Providence and Saint Catalina. After being sent again to Cartagena, they cooperated in the development of auriferous - gold harvesting - districts such as the district of Barbacoas, located south of the Pacific coast, and the districts of Citara and Novita in the north.