Coolies Embarking, an illustration from an 1864 edition of Harper’s NewMonthly Magazine. Photo: Handout
Coolies Embarking, an illustration from an 1864 edition of Harper’s NewMonthly Magazine. Photo: Handout
History

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
Coolies Embarking, an illustration from an 1864 edition of Harper’s NewMonthly Magazine. Photo: Handout
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