Elmina
Cape Coast, Ghana
Show StoryThe approaching dark clouds roll in swiftly over the coast ,without much time to react. A rain shower drops from the sky to find me exposed on top of the white wash ramparts: an instant relief from the fierce African sun burning my pale skin. Set upon an headland along an extraordinary coast, the intimidating landmark of Elmina feels almost completely out of place, surrounded by the relaxing coastal vibe. There stands a monument underlining the dark history of slavery in West Africa.
Its origins extend back as far as 1482 when it was constructed by the Portuguese, but it wasn’t until its capture by the Dutch, nearly a hundred and fifty years later, that humanity soon lost all morality. The continents’ natives, commodities to be bought and traded among European colonists. During this age of exploration and expanding empires, the local inhabitants were sent by the thousands to help build what ultimately became the ‘New World’.
The brutal reality of history comes to life as I step down from the ramparts and enter the dungeons that once held these captives. Housed in the lower quarters of the castle this confined space creates a chilling reminder of how low these people were perceived. Kept by the hundreds, these slaves were consistently exposed to ill treatment, outbreaks of disease and regular death.
As I stroll to the end of the prison, l soon discover a small door to the ocean. This “Door of No Return”, acts as an unsettling reminder for those who were imprisoned inside. Once the slaves passed through this final portal they were herded onto awaiting dock ships and forced to abandon hope of seeing their homeland again.
The dark clouds traverse further in-land leaving the sun to soak up the pools of water that have been left behind. I finally return to the high ramparts to take advantage of the vista and witness the chaotic market trading below.
From this high point you can catch the cooling breeze from the Atlantic and allow your mind to wander upon the behavior from centuries ago; actions that passed through these walls. With its surreal landscape and dark narrative, El Mina is a powerful journey into the history of the African continent.
Show StoryThe approaching dark clouds roll in swiftly over the coast ,without much time to react. A rain shower drops from the sky to find me exposed on top of the white wash ramparts: an instant relief from the fierce African sun burning my pale skin. Set upon an headland along an extraordinary coast, the intimidating landmark of Elmina feels almost completely out of place, surrounded by the relaxing coastal vibe. There stands a monument underlining the dark history of slavery in West Africa.
Its origins extend back as far as 1482 when it was constructed by the Portuguese, but it wasn’t until its capture by the Dutch, nearly a hundred and fifty years later, that humanity soon lost all morality. The continents’ natives, commodities to be bought and traded among European colonists. During this age of exploration and expanding empires, the local inhabitants were sent by the thousands to help build what ultimately became the ‘New World’.
The brutal reality of history comes to life as I step down from the ramparts and enter the dungeons that once held these captives. Housed in the lower quarters of the castle this confined space creates a chilling reminder of how low these people were perceived. Kept by the hundreds, these slaves were consistently exposed to ill treatment, outbreaks of disease and regular death.
As I stroll to the end of the prison, l soon discover a small door to the ocean. This “Door of No Return”, acts as an unsettling reminder for those who were imprisoned inside. Once the slaves passed through this final portal they were herded onto awaiting dock ships and forced to abandon hope of seeing their homeland again.
The dark clouds traverse further in-land leaving the sun to soak up the pools of water that have been left behind. I finally return to the high ramparts to take advantage of the vista and witness the chaotic market trading below.
From this high point you can catch the cooling breeze from the Atlantic and allow your mind to wander upon the behavior from centuries ago; actions that passed through these walls. With its surreal landscape and dark narrative, El Mina is a powerful journey into the history of the African continent.