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Cotton gins, Kilwa Kivinje, Tanzania, East Africa
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Cotton gins, Kilwa Kivinje, Tanzania, East Africa
Men working at cotton gins at Kilwa Kivinje, German East Africa (now Tanzania). Date: circa 1900
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Media ID 14227456
© Mary Evans/Pharcide
Colonialism Cotton Labour Manual Manufacture Tanzania Gins Kilwa
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Men at Work: Cotton Gins of Kilwa Kivinje, Tanzania, Circa 1900" This evocative photograph captures a moment in time from the early 1900s, depicting a group of African men diligently working at cotton gins in the historic town of Kilwa Kivinje, located in what is now Tanzania, East Africa. During this period, Kilwa Kivinje was part of German East Africa, a colonial territory ruled by the German Empire. The men in this image are shown working in close proximity to each other, their faces expressing focus and determination as they operate the manual cotton gins. These gins were essential tools used to separate cotton fibers from the seeds, a crucial step in the cotton production process. The raw cotton bales can be seen stacked nearby, waiting to be processed. The arrival of European colonial powers, including Germany, brought significant changes to the African continent, including the introduction of new agricultural techniques and industries. Cotton cultivation became a major focus in German East Africa, with Kilwa Kivinje serving as a key production hub. The labor force was primarily made up of local African workers, who were required to work on European-owned plantations and farms under harsh conditions. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the human element of the cotton industry during the colonial era in Tanzania. The men in the image represent the countless laborers who played a vital role in the production of cotton, contributing to the global trade network that connected Africa to the rest of the world. As we reflect on this historical image, it serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationship between colonial powers and the colonized, as well as the lasting impact of industrialization on African communities.
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