Indentured Servant Contract in Spanish Colonial Cuba, 1869

Indentured servant contract document for Chinese Emigrant in Cuba during Spanish colonial rule. Island of Guanajay in Spanish Cuba, Dated 1869. Cuba participated heavily in the slave trade to obtain cheap labor for the sugar plantations beginning in the 16th century but stopped officially participating in the slave trade in 1867 yet the institution of slavery was not abolished on the island for another 19 years, until 1886. Plantation owners started importing contract laborers (indentured servants), called colonos. Free people, either voluntarily or through coercion, signed a work contract that stipulated the term of service and the pay they would receive. In theory, the colonos could leave the employ of their owners at the end of the term of service, but in practice the conditions for the colonos were not much different than those endured by the slave population. Partially Printed contract, Text is in Spanish with names, details and signature handwritten in ink. the Contracts measure 9 x 13 inches. The documents read in part, "Contract between Colonos [The term for Indentured Servant in Cuba] In accordance with the provisions of the regulations approved by royal decree of July 6, 1860 for the introduction and regime of Asian settlers in this circular island of the superior government of March 27, 1861 and others current dispositions...The hours in which I have to work will depend on the kind of work that is given to me and according to the attention that said work requires, which is left to the discretion of the person undre whose orders I am provided that is given to me." .Guanajay area was fertile for sugarcane and tobacco crops. contract is signed by the Indentured Servant with a cross as was the custom when unable to write. Partially separation at fold. Light foxing and uneven edges to borders, do not affect text. Overall good condition.