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South Africa - Transvaal - Chinese Coolies in a Compound
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South Africa - Transvaal - Chinese Coolies in a Compound
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Media ID 4412502
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Compound Coolies Immigrants Immigration Southern Transvaal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the daily life of Chinese coolies in a compound in Transvaal, South Africa during the late 19th century. The Chinese immigrants, who were primarily brought in as laborers during the gold rush, lived in segregated areas like this one. The cramped and makeshift dwellings, surrounded by high walls, served as their homes, providing a sense of community and security in the face of discrimination and hostility from the white population. The coolies, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, are seen working on various tasks within the compound. Some are mending nets, while others are tending to livestock or cooking meals. The women and children, who make up a significant portion of the population, are also visible, engaging in domestic activities and playing games. Despite the difficult conditions, the Chinese community in Transvaal managed to establish thriving businesses and social networks, contributing significantly to the economic development of the region. However, their presence was met with resistance and violence from the white population, leading to numerous clashes and the eventual passage of laws restricting Chinese immigration. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Chinese coolies in South Africa during a turbulent period of history. It serves as a reminder of the complex and often overlooked role that immigrant labor played in the development of the region and the challenges they faced in building a new life in a foreign land.
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