JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Gift: How Objects of Prestige Shaped the Atlantic Slave Trade and Colonialism.

  • Published In: French History, 2025, v. 39, n. 1. P. 83 1 of 3

  • Database: Historical Abstracts with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Forrest, Alan 3 of 3

Abstract

Ana Lucia Araujo's book explores the role of objects of prestige in shaping the Atlantic slave trade and colonialism, focusing on the commercial alliances between French merchants and African kings in the 18th century. Araujo highlights the importance of gifts in sealing deals with African monarchs and their agents, emphasizing the agency of Africans in the slave trade. The exchange of prestige objects, such as a ceremonial silver knife, played a crucial role in slaving diplomacy and the commodification of West African society, with these items now found in museums in France. Araujo skillfully narrates the journey of the silver knife, from its creation in La Rochelle to its eventual return to France after being looted during colonization, showcasing the complex interplay of material culture and history in the Atlantic world. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:French History. 2025/03, Vol. 39, Issue 1, p83
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0269-1191
  • DOI:10.1093/fh/crae061
  • Accession Number:184349624
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