Divers explore 18th-century slave ship wreck off Mozambique

In Mozambique, a team of divers, including Black archaeologists, is investigating the wreck of an 18th-century slave ship, believed to be L’Aurore, which sank off the coast. This project, initiated by the Slave Wrecks Project (SWP) in 2015, aims to uncover and document the hidden narratives of the transatlantic slave trade. The divers are examining the ship's structure and artifacts, such as ceramics and lead shot, to better understand its history and the lives lost during its voyage. The site is significant as it represents a part of African history often overlooked, emphasizing the need to rewrite historical narratives from an African perspective. The project also highlights the importance of respecting the site, as it serves as a grave for many enslaved individuals. By engaging in this work, the archaeologists hope to reclaim their history and honor the resistance of their ancestors against the slave trade.