The boat leaves Dakar and not before long Gorée Island comes into view. Pastel coloured, European-style buildings, palm trees, blue skies and blue seas. The scene is like no other I have seen in West Africa.
The tiny island of Gorée, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 3km off the coast of Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Its pretty appearance gives no clue to the horrors that once occurred here when it was a warehouse for the slave trade. Thousands, if not millions, were kept here before being transported to Europe and the Americas over the three centuries during which the slave trade flourished. Portuguese, Dutch, French and British all fought and killed each other to gain control of this island.
Visiting The House of Slaves
Today the island serves as a reminder of these atrocities and a visit to the only remaining slave house and the museum is a must for any visitor. As a white European it was impossible to go there without feeling extremely uncomfortable to say the least.
The description of how the slaves were treated is hard to hear. We are told how the slaves were chained at the neck and arms with a heavy iron ball attached. They were released just once a day from their cells which measures just 2.6 m by 2.6 m, each containing between 15 to 20 men. The ill and the dead were thrown into the sea for the sharks to fed on. Families were split up with women and children each being kept in a separate part of the slave house. For young women there was one means of escape. Any that became pregnant by the slaves masters were released either on the island or in Saint Louis.
The slaves were kept here in the most inhumane conditions for up to three months. When their turn came they were stripped naked and herded out into a courtyard for the buyers to observe them from the balconies.
As we look around we are shown a door way which is said to have been the way through which slaves passed as they left to board the boats that would take them away from their homeland. Conditions on the boats were as bad, if not worse, than on the island. Millions are believed to have died being transported from Africa.
Gorée Island today
Today Gorée Island is a place of tranquility, with no cars and virtually no crime. There is one hotel and a few B&Bs where you can stay with local families but most only come for the day. For many it is a place of pilgrimage and to all it serves as a reminder of the human atrocities that once occurred here and throughout much of West Africa.
Outside the museum the sun is shining and I photograph the striking statue of two slaves – a celebration of freedom. I wonder through Gorée’s pretty narrow streets enjoying the warmth of the sunshine. The sadness lifts a little. As I pass the locals give me a welcoming smile and are happy to be photographed.
There is a wonderful feeling of calmness here, especially when you compare it to the hectic city life of Dakar. Not all the visitors to Gorée are tourist as city dwellers also use it as a place to relax. During a wonderful lunch in a restaurant overlooking the beach I watch a large group of children arrive by boat. A school day out perhaps? Before long they are splashing about in the water. It is obviously quite a novelty for them. Shouts of joy and laughter fill the air.
Such a mixture of memories that will be with me forever.
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Hi Kat, I’m always curious about Senegal. Goree is fascinating. It’s history is horrendous but its good to know that its people seem to move on from the past and enjoy what the city offers in the present. Love the photos, especially the very last one where people were splashing in the water.
Marisol recently posted..Vietnam: The Colorful Hilltribe Market of Bac Ha
Hi Marisol, Senegal is. Wonderful country to visit and I hope to go back there one day to see more. I’d like to return to Goree too and spend a few days there. Lovely place. I’m sure you love Senegal.
Kathryn Burrington recently posted..Cabo Verde Urban Photography #FriFotos
Beautiful pictures, Kat, and those narrow streets are surely charming.
I saw a television special last year that featured the slave house and the accounts of the horrendous conditions of the slaves who were treated worse than prized cattle remain with me. It makes your photo of those kids now playing freely in the waves all the more special.
titabuds recently posted..Uhh…
Thank you. There is such a special atmosphere there now. I would love to go back one day and spend a bit more time there.
Kathryn Burrington recently posted..The Raj of Thanjavur and a bowl of soup!
Lovely place I must say. The colors of the water are great! The people too based on the photos looks happy and friendly.
Jaslyn recently posted..Top 10 Attractions in Vietnam
My great grandfather was a diver on one of the Royal Navy ships that used to hunt down slavers off the coast of Africa in the latter half of the 19th century. It would have been interesting to have met him and heard his tales
Ship’s Cook recently posted..Mexico 2012 – Coba Maya Village and Ancient City
That would have been very interesting and makes you realise that it is not all that long ago really. That must have been a risky occupation though.
The fact that Britain was instrumental in stopping the slave trade is at least one thing we can be proud of.
Kathryn Burrington recently posted..Girls Rights amongst the Bedouins of the Sinai Desert
A poignant post Kathryn and I’m glad that smiles and laughter have replaced the suffering and sadness. Where on the island is the statue?- it serves as a good reminder to all.
Suzanne recently posted..My 2012 in Pictures
It’s by the museum and it is such a small island it’s easy to find.
Kathryn Burrington recently posted..Girls Rights amongst the Bedouins of the Sinai Desert
I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it would be to visit the house of slaves. To think people did those things to people! I know it was a different time, but still, we are all people. On the positive side – love your photos. The crowded beach shot looks like loads of fun is being had by all!
Anita Mac recently posted..Monday Morning Series: The Tropical Frangipani
What an amazing island and one full of contrasts
Chris Maskell recently posted..Variations
Yes, very much so and I would highly recommend visiting the island if ever you go to Senegal
Kathryn Burrington recently posted..Memories of Gorée Island, Senegal