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Erased and Enslaved: How the Maya and Yamasee Were Stolen, Not Lost
- Urban Indian
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
The narrative that the Maya civilization simply "disappeared" is a misconception that overlooks the complex history of their subjugation and exploitation during and after the Spanish conquest. In reality, many Maya individuals were enslaved and transported to regions such as Cuba, paralleling the experiences of other indigenous groups like the Yamasee people of South Carolina. This article delves into the historical evidence of these events, highlighting the forced displacement and enslavement of the Maya and Yamasee peoples.
The Enslavement of the Maya People
During the 19th century, particularly amid the Caste War of Yucatán (1847–1901), the capture and sale of Maya individuals became a grim facet of the conflict. The Yucatán governor, Miguel Barbachano, decreed in 1848 that captured rebel Maya would be exiled for ten years, a policy that facilitated their sale to plantations in Cuba . Despite the formal abolition of slavery in Mexico, clandestine operations persisted. Ships like "La Unión," operated by the Spanish company Zangroniz Hermanos y Compañía, were instrumental in transporting Maya captives to Cuba's sugarcane plantations. Between 1855 and 1861, it is estimated that La Unión transported 25 to 30 Maya individuals monthly to Cuba . The tragic sinking of La Unión in 1861, resulting from a boiler explosion, brought to light the extent of this illicit trade .
The Yamasee People and Forced Relocation
The Yamasee War (1715–1717) was a significant conflict between British settlers in South Carolina and the Yamasee, alongside other allied Native American tribes. The war was fueled by grievances over unfair trade practices and the enslavement of indigenous people by British colonists . Following their defeat, many Yamasee sought refuge in Spanish-controlled Florida. However, their displacement did not end there. By 1763, with the transfer of Florida from Spain to Britain, some Yamasee relocated to Cuba alongside the Spanish . This migration underscores the broader pattern of indigenous displacement and the entangled fates of Native American communities amid colonial power shifts.
Parallels Between the Maya and Yamasee Experiences
Both the Maya and Yamasee peoples endured forced displacement and enslavement as a result of colonial expansion and conflict. Their experiences highlight a broader, often overlooked narrative of indigenous exploitation in the Americas. The transportation of Maya individuals to Cuban plantations and the relocation of the Yamasee to Florida and subsequently to Cuba exemplify the transnational dimensions of indigenous subjugation. These historical episodes challenge the simplistic notion of indigenous disappearance, revealing instead a legacy of resilience amid systemic oppression.
The histories of the Maya and Yamasee peoples illustrate the complexities of indigenous experiences during colonial times. Far from vanishing, these communities faced enslavement, forced migration, and cultural upheaval. Recognizing these truths is essential to understanding the enduring impacts of colonialism on indigenous populations and acknowledging their resilience in the face of adversity.
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