Os africanos livres na Real Fábrica de Ferro São João do Ipanema: Funções, Origens Étnicas e Rotina de Trabalho (1840-1850)

Abstract

This article analyzes the experience of free Africans in Real Fábrica de Ferro São João do Ipanema, in Sorocaba-SP, between 1840-1850. To do this, first aboard the social and political issues leading to this particular group. Then, supported by the sources present in the Public Archives of the State of São Paulo, evaluate the trajectory of workers in the enterprise functions like manufacturing, date of arrival, and especially the ethnic origins of the same, with a view to representing too much importance in the diaspora. Accordingly, Africans were aware of their legal status "free", but in practice for the Brazilian Imperial State were just another group of slaves fighting for their freedom.