Leisure Time?
Slaves worked long, hard days with little time to rest. They would have little leisure time, but when they did they often had church gathering or they would sit around and play music or sing songs. The music allowed them to relax and be themselves. They would often create music that people could dance to. They would have social gathering where they would play music and dance. Sometimes the white men would stand around and watch them dance and think it was funny. They would feel like the slaves were there for their amusement.
Source: Slave Quarters, Louisiana. (1861- 65). Adolf Carlsson Warberg, Skizzer fran Nord-Amerikanska Kriget. Showing a rare time where slaves were able to relax and play music.
Source: Dancing Slaves. (1861). Harper's Weekly. Shows slaves trying to enjoy themselves by dancing in a concert or festival.
Source: Contraband Children Dancing the Breakdown. (1863). Shows children dancing in the streets while others are playing music or watching.
Directions: Examine the sources above in order to answer the questions below.
Why do you think they are dancing?
Based on these pictures, how does this music make them feel?
What kind of music to think they are playing in any of the pictures?
What do you think is happening in the picture, Contraband Children?
Based on these pictures, how does this music make them feel?
What kind of music to think they are playing in any of the pictures?
What do you think is happening in the picture, Contraband Children?