Kester, I certainly didn't think you intended your post that way, I was just concerned that others might read it that way.
Anna, while I cannot dispute the sources and exhibitions that omitted the information, I still feel the need to take issue with
"conveniently forgotten", which implies deliberate intention to mislead. I think the information is so readily available that any such conspiracy is doomed.
For example, the sale of slaves by Africans is mentioned in the first paragraph of the Wikipedia article on the Atlantic Slave Trade, which goes on to describe the slave markets within Africa at length and provides quotes such as:
Quote:
In 1807, the UK Parliament passed the Bill that abolished the trading of slaves. The King of Bonny (now in Nigeria) was horrified at the conclusion of the practice: 'We think this trade must go on. That is the verdict of our oracle and the priests. They say that your country, however great, can never stop a trade ordained by God himself.'
Links take you to many other articles including one describing ongoing slavery within Africa.
The BBC 'Quick Guide' to the Slave Trade actually suggests that purchase from African merchants was the
only source. The Encyclopedia Britannica's article in its Guide to Black History goes to great length on the subject.
Access to the truth on such an emotive subject may be a tall order, but access to information on that aspect of the slave trade is not denied to anyone. Surely nobody with the slightest inquisitiveness about the subject could possibly be in the dark?
I am not well read on the subject and was surprised to realise today that rather than enforcing abolition, Britain allowed slavery to continue in Africa until the 1890s and early 20th century? For example, in 1895 the British Colonial Office said:
Quote:
"It would be a mistake to frighten the King of Kumasi and the Ashantis generally on the question of slavery. We cannot sweep away their customs and institutions all at once. Domestic slavery should not be troubled at present."
In Nigeria it took until the 1920s and 30s to make significant progress.
Perhaps that has been
conveniently forgotten, and should have featured in the exhibitions?