Q011 - Slave Dutch Cross Section

This detailed cross-section model of a Dutch slave ship offers a powerful and educational look into the cramped, brutal conditions endured by enslaved people during the transatlantic slave trade. Expertly crafted, the model reveals the internal structure of the vessel, illustrating both the human suffering it carried and the commercial goods transported alongside them.

On the upper deck, miniature figures depict the enslaved individuals confined in severely restricted spaces with little room to move—reflecting the inhumane conditions they were forced to endure. Below, the lower deck shows tightly packed human forms arranged in the horrific manner historically documented on these voyages. Barrels, bundles, and trade goods are also displayed, representing the ship’s dual role in transporting both human beings and commercial cargo for colonial profit.

Mounted on a polished wooden base with a brass nameplate, this model serves as both a visual and educational representation of the ship’s design. It stands as a stark reminder of the immense suffering inflicted during the transatlantic slave trade and highlights the historical significance of Dutch involvement in this tragic era.

History 

The Dutch slave ship played a significant role in the 17th and 18th centuries as part of the transatlantic slave trade, transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas within the Dutch colonial empire’s vast trading network.

Built using the advanced shipbuilding techniques of the era, these vessels were engineered for durability, speed, and efficiency. They were designed to carry large numbers of enslaved people under brutal and inhumane conditions while also transporting goods between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Though Dutch slave ships represent notable achievements in maritime construction, they are far more importantly reminders of the devastating human cost of the transatlantic slave trade. This painful chapter in world history has left deep and lasting repercussions, continuing to shape modern discussions about race, inequality, and historical justice.