The "Incorrigibles": labor and commerce of ‘pombeiros’ in the caravans of Central Angola, 19th century

Abstract

The formation of the Atlantic World opened various routes for the circulation of commodities in Africa, for both of those came from other continents and with high value inside the African societies in the hinterland, and those produced inside Africa and exported by the Ocean. So fundamental as the workforce involved in the production of these genders of exportation were the workers responsible for the transport of the commodities through the long-distance commercial routes, especially the caravan porters, unavoidable agents to carrying out trade in regions without big maritime or fluvial routes, or without the possibility of using animal traction. This paper aims to reflect about the pombeiros, essential agents for the recruitment of these porters in Central Angola. The pombeiros were African traders from the main commercial outpost in the countryside that, during the 19th century, commanded small fractions inside the Portuguese caravans, controlling the recruitment, safety, and discipline of these crews. In an ambiguous position as business partners and wage workers, studying the agency of pombeiros and their struggles with the settlers helps to reconsider the everyday life of the Angolan commerce during 19th century and to reconsider de labor history in the region.