Aspectos da escravidão urbana no Sergipe oitocentista : mercado, conflitos e poder local (1850-1870)

Abstract

In this article, we look at the urban slavery in the province of Sergipe in the 19th century. Our main historical sources are the periodical press (especially ads for the purchase, sale rent and escape of slaves) associated with other administrative documents (like provincial legislation and municipal urban codes). Rooted on the theoretical and methodological contributions of Social History, we discuss the constitution and dynamics of urban slavery in Sergipe, mainly problems such as market, local power and conflicts in the urban public environment. Our research reveals that the slavery was widespread throughout the urban area, from the downtown to the suburbs. At the same time, our evidences demonstrates that the slaves’ experiences cumulated improvisation, acculturation and resistance. Therefore, we conclude that the presence of slaves at 19th century’s Sergipe was very important for the conformation of social and everyday relationships of urban life