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French Award medals to Native Cultivators
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French Award medals to Native Cultivators
The Commodore distributes medals to native black cultivators for their work, at Fort-de-France in Martinique. Date: circa 1860
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Media ID 23089444
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1860 Award Commodore Distributes Indies Martinique Medals Cultivators Fort De France
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a significant moment in the history of Martinique during the 19th century. The image, taken circa 1860, depicts Commodore Rigault de Genouilly presenting French awards to native black cultivators at Fort-de-France. The Commodore, dressed in full military regalia, is seen extending his hand to bestow a medal upon a humbly bowing native man. Other native cultivators, dressed in traditional attire, look on with anticipation and pride. The distribution of these awards marked a rare recognition of the hard work and dedication of the native population in the French colonies of the West Indies. The cultivators, who were primarily involved in sugar production, played a crucial role in the economic prosperity of the region. However, they were often subjected to harsh working conditions and discrimination. This event, which took place at Fort-de-France, the capital city of Martinique, signified a small but significant step towards acknowledging the contributions of the native population. The French government, through the Commodore, sought to foster goodwill and promote unity among the diverse population of the island. The photograph provides a glimpse into the complex social dynamics of the French colonies during the 19th century. It underscores the importance of recognizing the labor and achievements of all communities, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, and the role that such gestures can play in fostering social cohesion and unity.
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