Angola’s Museum of Slavery preserves the untold stories of the Atlantic slave trade
The National Museum of Slavery in Luanda, Angola, stands as a powerful record of the Atlantic slave trade. Built on the site of a former estate owned by a Portuguese enslaver, the museum preserves artefacts and documents from a brutal chapter in history. Its mission includes helping descendants trace their ancestry while ensuring the stories of resistance are not forgotten.
Between the 1400s and 1867, an estimated 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic. Around 45% came from African countries, with Angola being a significant source. Luanda alone saw at least 1.6 million enslaved people shipped away, including the first recorded Africans taken to Britain’s American colonies in 1619.
The museum’s efforts extend beyond preservation. By digitising records and collaborating with global institutions, it provides a vital resource for those seeking answers about their past. The collection ensures that both the suffering and resilience of enslaved Angolans remain visible and accessible to all.
