Coolies Embarking, an illustration from an 1864 edition of Harper’s NewMonthly Magazine. Photo: Handout
A history of Chinese ‘coolies’ is one of poverty, piracy and, ultimately, emigration
In the book Coolie Ships of the Chinese Diaspora (1846-1874), John Asome explores the trade of indentured labourers from Chinese ports to Cuba, Peru and the West Indies
Coolies Embarking, an illustration from an 1864 edition of Harper’s NewMonthly Magazine. Photo: Handout