Marissa Teitelman Humanities and Social Science
Evanescence and Concatenation: The Dutch Role in the Atlantic Slave Trade
Certain histories have been ignored that are incredibly important to understanding self-identity. The Dutch West India Companys (WIC) history epitomized trans-Atlantic diaspora, creating unique cultures all over the world and intensifying identity transformations. I will examine the extent of the Dutch role in producing identity transformation and cultural diaspora along the 17th century WIC slave route from Amsterdam, to Ghana, to Curaao, and finally to New Amsterdam. I will draw on publications from experts in the field such as Paul Gilroy, Kwesi Yankah, and Linda Heywood. Looking at tales, traditions, and legends from Ghana, the Caribbean, and New Amsterdam will synthesize the extent of cohesion among trans-Atlantic cultures spread by the Dutch slave trade. Highlighting the influence of cultural material and folklore could provide a greater understanding of the under-examined Dutch role in the Atlantic slave trade, and insight into the extent of cultural cohesion and distinction across the Atlantic.