[CUBA-SLAVERY]
Group of six Cuban Chinese slavery documents. Havana: 1861-1868. Printed forms completed by hand, two signed in Chinese by the Colono, the Chinese slave entering into the indenture system, as well as the Patrono, the owner (in the balance, the Colono was probably an illiterate, and the signature is marked by an "x" or similar sigil). Various sizes to 12 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches (31 x 21 cm). Most somewhat toned, one with some worming.
The Cuban agricultural system needed a great deal of manpower, and in this period much of it was supplied by indentured Chinese immigrants. This practice began in 1847. Chinese immigrants were issued an initial eight year mandatory slavery contract, and were thereafter given new short-term contracts (Recontrata). These were often with the same owner, but they could also be traded to a new owner. Typically, these secondary contracts were from six months to two years in length.