18th Century "Middle Passage" Iron Slave Shackles

18th Century, Iron Slave Shackles. Original “Middle Passage” Iron Slave Leg Shackles measuring about 12" in length. Shackles such as these are a grim reminder of the practices of the Slave trade that occurred during the Atlantic “Middle Passage” route circa 1750-1800. A captive African Slave’s feet would have been bound in each ankle brace then hammering in a ring on the end to secure the restraints in place. In the case a Slave trader could afford one, a simple early padlock would be used. Similar shackles were also used on hands, though many Slaves had their hands bound in cloth and rope. There is expected minor surface pitting and oxidation from age, having a natural rich patina. The “Middle Passage” was the stage of the triangular trade route in which millions of native people of Africa were shipped to the New World as part of the Atlantic Slave trade. Ships departed Europe for African markets with manufactured goods, which were traded for purchased or kidnapped Africans, who were transported across the Atlantic as Slaves. The Slaves were then sold or traded for raw materials, which would be transported back to Europe to complete the voyage. Voyages on the Middle Passage were a large financial undertaking and they were generally organized by companies or groups of investors rather than individuals. A historical authentic Black History related artifact from the 18th Century Slave trade that would be excellent for display.