Field slaves

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Field slaves were transatlantic slaves who labored in the plantation fields. They commonly were used to plant, tend, and harvest cotton, sugar, rice and tobacco.

Types of Slaves

There were essentially two different kinds of slaves, those that worked in the fields (field slaves), and those that worked in the slave master's house (house slaves).

Chores

The tasks of each slave differed greatly. House slaves would take care of the housework (i.e. do the cooking, cleaning, tend to the master's children) and field slaves would tend to the plantation fields. The work hours were rather grueling; the field slaves were expected to work in the fields for anywhere between ten to eighteen hours a day, usually from sunrise to sundown, while being monitored by an overseer. The overseer was there to make sure that slaves did not slow down with or cease their field-picking until the work day was over. The overseer would administer punishment to the slaves (usually by flagellation) whenever he saw fit.

Clothing

The clothing of Field slaves and house slaves differed. House slaves were dressed more modestly as they had the opportunity to receive second-hand clothing from their master's family members.[1] Field slaves, however, were given one outfit annually. During the winter time, field slaves were given additional clothing or material to make additional clothing in order to keep them warmer in the winter.[1]

Children

In general, slave children received little to no clothing until they reached the age of puberty,[2] after which time they were given gender-appropriate clothing.

Women

Women were given long dresses to wear in the summer. During the winter they made themselves a shawl and pantalettes.[3] Women often wore turbans on the heads, covering their hair.

Men

Men were given pants to wear during the summer, while in the winter they were also given long coats to wear.[3]

Housing

Field slaves generally shared a one room cabin with their family, no matter the size of the family.

Meals

Field slaves were given weekly rations of food by their master, which included some meat, corn meal and flour. If permitted, the slaves could have a garden to grow themselves fresh vegetables.[1] Otherwise they would make a meal from their rations and anything else they could find.[1] They had breakfast at daybreak, before going to work in the fields and had dinner at the end of the workday. This happened every day of when they were on the fields or when they were under the rule of their masters

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Slavery and the Making of America . The Slave Experience: Living". PBS. Retrieved 2013-12-15. 
  2. ↑ "Slavery and the Making of America . The Slave Experience: Men, Women & Gender". PBS. Retrieved 2013-12-15. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Slavery and the Making of America . The Slave Experience: Men, Women & Gender". PBS. Retrieved 2013-12-15. 
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