1589-1599: An Introduction and Esmeraldas, Ecuador

 

1589: A Brief Introduction to Maroons

April 8th, 1589: 

Today I have come across a story of certain ‘maroons’ that live somewhere called Esmeraldas (1). I write in this journal with the hopes that someone will find this and learn about what I have seen and read. I question what these ‘maroons’ are, and why they feel the need to live so removed from society. I plan to ask more about who these men are, and what their purpose is.

April 14th, 1589: 

After about a week of talking to natives and others, I have learned much about these Maroons. They are groups of Africans who have rebelled against their owners and created their own enclosed communities. The term ‘maroon’ comes from the Spanish word ‘cimmarron’, and refers to Africans who are ‘wild’ or ‘unbroken’ (1). I had previously thought that the Africans appreciated their enslavement, as the King himself was helping them. I appear to have been wrong, or at least without the entire story…

April 16th, 1589: 

I have now learned more about what ‘maroonage’ is. What is better known throughout the land is ‘petit maroonage’ which is punishable by “Amputations, castration, suspension from a meat hook through the ribs, slow roasting to death” (1). I am horrified by the images that this puts into my head, and I cannot imagine anything such as that. How the King himself could allow such things to happen is beyond my knowledge. I seek to find some Maroons, and question them about these things. 

1589: Esmeraldas, Ecuador

April 25th, 1589: 

I appear to have found the Maroons! I traveled north to Esmeraldas, which is right on the coast of Ecuador. Many have told me that the Maroon leader is a man by the name of Francisco de Arobe. He is the son of an African slave by the name of Andres Mangache and a native woman (2). There are many churches here, and I plan to pray to God to give me direction in this journey. As I have been searching for a church, I learned that one was just built by Fray Juan de Salas (2). 

Ten Years Later 

May 14th, 1599: 

After living in Esmeraldas for ten years, I can certainly say I have learned much about it. The community began after Spanish ships had been wrecked on the beachside earlier this century. They were coming from Panama and Peru, and survivors of this crash escaped their captors. Then, as I have learned is common, they sought allyship with the Natives inside what we now know as Ecuador. They have been subjected to many attacks by us Europeans, and have made the trek to Quito in hopes of making peace with the Spanish crown (1). Much of these attacks have subsided now, as Arobe’s brother, Juan Mangache, traveled before in 1586 seeking peace. I aspire to learn more about what is happening now, as I have received word that there appears to be some kind of movement with Francisco de Arobe. 

May 20th, 1599: 

Alas I was right! Arobe is traveling south to Quito, and I believe that he goes to further peace efforts and pledge loyalty. 

May 30th, 1599: 

I have gotten word that Francisco de Arobe is traveling back to Esmeraldas now. This is good, as he represents the freedom of these people (Maroons) that live and reside here. 

June 15th, 1599: 

I was given something incredible today! I have placed it next to this text, and hope that it would be of some use for others in the future. This painting (3) recognizes that the Maroons of Esmerelda have agreed to live under the King’s rule (3). This painting shows the intersection of Native and Spanish cultures and clothing as the jewelry is of Native origin and the collars of Spanish origin. I have heard that the King himself is set to receive this painting (3). 

September 20th, 1599: 

The people of Esmerelda still prosper to this day. Arobe valiantly fought for their freedom, and because of this he was able to give freedom to other rebels who came from neighboring areas (1). I wish for their prosperity in the future, and hope they can maintain it…

(1) Price, Richard. “Maroon Societies in the Americas.” Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History. Oxford University Press. December 2020. https://oxfordre-com.proxy.lib.miamioh.edu/africanhistory/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.001.0001/acrefore-9780190277734-e-935

(2) Medina, Charles Beatty. “Francisco de Arobe.” Oxford African American Studies Center (2016): 1-2. https://projects.kora.matrix.msu.edu/files/16-23-92883/Francisco_de_Arobe_DCALAB.pdf

(3) Sanchez Gallque, Andres. “The Mulatto Gentleman of Esmeraldas”. Vistas Gallery, 1599, https://vistasgallery.ace.fordham.edu/items/show/1903