Existing comment:
The Slaves' Domain:
Slaves became nearly invisible in the presence of whites, while at the same time they created personal identify and kinship ties amongst themselves. Because whites limited their involvement with work spaces, slaves claimed these places as their own. Away from the eyes and ears of the Dents, they conversed and conducted activities in areas such as this laundry room, the kitchens, and the cabins; free from the restrictions placed on them in spaces dominated by their white owners.
Creating and Maintaining Families: Missouri law did not recognize slave marriages, therefore, couples that were allowed to wed could be separated at their owner's discretion. Julia noted that several of the enslaved men had wives -- on other plantations. In order to see them, Charles, Bob, Willis, William and Jim brought Julia pet rabbits, birds' eggs and fruits. Then they persuaded her to intercede with their father to get permission to "go home" and bring their wife gifts of money, sugar, or tobacco from White Haven. It is unknown how often these visits occurred, but the desire to see their wives and strengthen marital bonds apparently outweighed any difficulties they encountered.
Work and Play: Slaves, both young and old, worked long hours, leaving little time for leisure activities. Black children played with Julia and her sisters, but there was always a distinction between the owner and the owned. Enslaved children probably did not choose the game, or lead the activity, but followed behind the Dent girls, unhooking their fish, carrying buckets for berries, or decorating their playhouses.
Although work did not end at sunset, adults and children often gathered together for vital times of family interaction. When mending clothes or repairing farm tools, they seized opportunities to play games such as marbles and dominoes.
Jumping the broom was a traditional African ceremony symbolizing crossing a threshold to begin life as a married couple. |