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Matacong, on the West Coast of Africa - the Pier, Warehouses, etc. 1854. Creator: Unknown
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Matacong, on the West Coast of Africa - the Pier, Warehouses, etc. 1854. Creator: Unknown
Matacong, on the West Coast of Africa - the Pier, Warehouses, etc. 1854. Sketch accompanying an article on...the progress in "legitimate trade" [at the island of Matakong off the coast of Guinea], and the great benefits which it cannot fail to confer upon the African race...Matacong (a corruption of Mata-can)...lies to the westward of the mouth of the Fouricariah river...Fish abound...and attract...fishermen from Sierra Leone...The silk cotton tree (Bombax Ceiba) grows here in great luxuriance...Here the African shows that secular and religious education has not been wholly thrown away upon him; and that he possesses sufficient intelligence and energy to become coadjutant in working out his welfare...trading has been carried on - the amount of exports and imports increasing, till the latter, in British manufactured goods alone, amount, in the present year, to £60, 000'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854
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Media ID 36233511
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Africans British Flag Dock Docks Imperialism Island Lifting Gear Pier Port Pulley Quai Quay Quayside Sailing Boats Union Flag Union Flags Union Jack Union Jacks Warehouse Warehouses West Africa Wharf Winch
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Matacong, West Coast of Africa, 1854: A Thriving Hub of Cultural Exchange and Prosperity This evocative image captures the bustling scene at Matacong, an island off the coast of Guinea in West Africa, during the mid-19th century. The pier, extending gracefully into the azure waters, is a testament to the thriving trade activities that took place here. The nearby warehouses, filled with an array of goods, are evidence of the significant economic growth that had been achieved. Matacong, a corruption of Mata-can, lies to the westward of the mouth of the Fouricariah river. Famed for its abundant fish, the island attracted fishermen from neighboring Sierra Leone. The lush vegetation, including the magnificent silk cotton tree (Bombax Ceiba), adds to the island's natural beauty. The African inhabitants of Matacong are depicted here as active participants in the exchange of goods, showcasing their intelligence and energy. The influence of secular and religious education is evident, as they engage in the commercial transactions with European traders. Trade at Matacong had been in progress for some time, and the volume of exports and imports had been increasing steadily. By 1854, the imports of British manufactured goods alone amounted to an impressive £60,000. This economic boom brought about numerous benefits for the African population, contributing to their welfare and overall development. This sketch, published in the Illustrated London News in 1854, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural exchange that took place at Matacong during this period. It serves as a reminder of the important role that trade played in shaping the history of West Africa and the African diaspora.
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