Bonaire in 100 photos – White slave

30 August 2023 by Casper Douma - Reading time: 2 minutes

Bonaire’s white slave huts, historically known as “White Slave,” mark a painful past. Once a shelter for slaves in the salt industry, they now stand as silent witnesses to the harsh reality of forced labor.

White slave huts off the coast of Bonaire.

Bonaire’s white slave huts refer to a historic site located at the southern tip of the island. These small, whitewashed huts were built in the 19th century during the heyday of salt mining. Slave houses served as shelters for slaves who worked in the salt pans – a tough and dangerous job. The name “White Slave” comes from the fact that the huts are white, contrasting with the dark reality of the lives of the slaves who stayed there. White slave huts are now an important historical monument, testifying to the Caribbean’s slavery past. They offer a visually and emotionally powerful picture of the challenging conditions under which these people had to work and live. Today, the white slave houses are a point for both tourists and descendants of the slaves, who come to pay tribute and reflect on the bitter history.

Casper Douma Photography

“Bon dia tur hende i bon bini na dushi Boneiru!”
My name is Casper Douma and I am a photographer. Since 2014 I’ve been living on this beautiful island, surrounded by a fringing reef. At first glance, you may see mostly cacti and drought, but Bonaire is a little gem if you get to know it better. I would like to take you on one of my photography tours to show you all the special places of Bonaire. In small groups of maximum 4 people I give you a unique look at the beauty of Bonaire. Became curious? Take a look at my website! I wish you a lot of fun on beautiful Bonaire.

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