Answer to Question #240890 in History for Marigold

Question

Experience of Khoekhoe workers on the farms of colonists in the 18th century

Answer 1

The existence of slavery affected the status and opportunities of the dispossessed Khoisan who entered the labor market in increasing numbers from the late 17th century. Although theoretically, they were free, compulsion governed the relationship between master and servant, and the legal status of the Khoisan increasingly approximated that of slaves, especially when, during the wars of the late 18th century, the trekboers were allowed to employ captive women and children. The Khoekhoe, traditionally being pastoralists themselves, also had more experience working with animals. Domestic work included cooking, cleaning the house, and taking care of the farmer’s children. Some slave women also helped to make things like soap and butter that could be sold on the market to supplement the farmer’s earnings. These slaves worked in the Company warehouses, Company Gardens and helped with the construction of public buildings and fortifications. The main function of the slaves that belonged to burghers was domestic labor. The slaves cooked, did needlework, cleaned homes, collected firewood, and fetched water from the water pumps. Remember that there was no tap water and electricity available those days. Domestic work took up a lot of time. The houses had to be cleaned, a big task in an era of dirt roads and coal ovens. Washing had to be done by hand.