Afro-Argentines: No Longer Invisible

Alicia Howard, PhD

February 11, 2020

Many people believe that Argentina never participated in the slave trade or that all enslaved Africans in Argentina died out from disease. This is a misconception.

In 1534, enslaved Africans began to arrive in the Rio de la Plata region of Argentina. It is estimated that between 1587-1640, the Portuguese brought 45,000 Africans to this region. Africans were trafficked through the port of Buenos Aires. Until 1640, the main commercial activity for Buenos Aires was the slave trade. Several accounts state that enslaved Africans made up more than 70 percent of the value of all imports arriving in Buenos Aires. Once arriving in Buenos Aires, Africans were dispersed to such provinces as Mendoza, Tucumán, and Salta Jujuy as well as the countries of Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru. The province of Córdoba operated primarily as a redistribution centre for slave transfers until 1610. According another source, in the 1778 census, the following agricultural provinces had majority African populations: Santiago del Estero 54%, Catamarca 52%, Tucumán 64%.

Towards the end of the 18th century, the slave trade increased significantly. This was reflected in the economic status of Buenos Aires in the Atlantic economy. As a result of the booming economy, Buenos Aires called for independence from Spain in 1810, as they felt economically exploited by Spain. Enslaved Afro-Argentines also played a crucial role in Argentina’s role for independence. As a reward for their efforts, the Free Womb Act of 1813 was introduced, freeing all babies born to enslaved mothers. This, however, did not apply to Buenos Aires, as it was not part of the Confederation at that time. Finally, in 1861, when Buenos Aires did join the Confederation, the dark chapter of African slavery had finally ended in Argentina.

Once slavery was abolished in Argentina, Afro-Argentines found survival difficult. They encountered discrimination, menial jobs for low pay, or they were forced to become beggars.

In a 2010 census, 149,493 people identified as afro-Argentines. Though they make up .37% of the total population of 40,117, 096, Afro-Argentines have found a resurgence in creating stronger cultural connections by exploring their African ancestral roots and their contributions to Argentina as a whole.

Tango has Afro-Argentine cultural influences. Historically, Tango was associated with the 'slum' areas of Buenos Aires. And through these poor areas, Tango was nurtured by Candombé, a dance of Angolan (Africa) origins and later through Milonga, a dance that fused Candombé with Contradanza Habanera which arrived with Cuban sailors in the 1860s. Today, Tango, the dance which was associated with lower-economic communities, has now taken centre stage to become one of the most prestigious music genres and dances, not only in Argentina, but in the world.