The Barbados Chattel House: Celebrating Black History ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry

Beforeword: This year’s BHM theme recognizes and celebrates African Americans in the arts. This poem is attributed to my recent return to Barbados and a reminder of the legacy of the Bajan chattel house. These were the first homes the freed slaves could own. The survival of the design of these timeless houses of wood are a testament to the craftsmanship of Africans.

Splattered across the landscape, the Barbados Chattel House stands
Symbolic shoutout to freedom, built by once enslaved hands

Freed from shackles, a new chapter began
A dwelling placed claimed, a piece of the plan

Crafted by skillful African artisans of old
Wooden homes, silent salute to architectural stories bold

Legacy etched in the grain of craftsmanship sublime
Dreams of liberty engraved in each meticulous line

Jalousie louvers and shutters, doors without glass
Configured possibilities, in a world connected to its past

Four-sided roofs, a defense steep and resolute
Of galvanized metal sheets or wood, shelter absolute

For land—a lease paid in toil and sweat
Termination loomed always, a constant threat

A tenantry’s journey, tethered not in earthy foundation
House perched on blocks, easily moved by transportation

Tiny houses set to be moved at whim, fulfilling landlords’ desires
Plantation workers, not owners, treated as no more than occupiers

Architectural blueprint, a new order their craftsmanship weaves
Inspiring modern design, akin to what their history reveals

Though

Crafted by hands once bounded, legacy endures beyond the chains
Freedmen’s toil in each wooden panel, a resilience traced in pains

Through the annals of history, the whispers of legacy’s persistence
The Barbados Chattel house, a reminder tale of struggle and resistance

One of the most noticeable chattel houses in Barbados is located on Wildey Main Road, in St Michael. It has been designated by the Barbados National Trust.
Source: Pinterest 
2024 All Rights Reserved

Like what you see? To never miss a post click HERE👈 to subscribe & follow the blog. There’s more HERE👈 and on Spillwords, the Writers Club & Facebook.

In creative solidarity, Dee

18 thoughts on “The Barbados Chattel House: Celebrating Black History ©Dawn Minott”

  5. Oh my gosh Dawn, thank you for sharing this historical jewel. I never knew about the Bajan chattel houses. Girl, what an amazing lesson of rising from the past and standing tall in the present. They look like quaint little doll houses, but the strength and perseverance that lies within the walls of our past symbolizes the hope of our future. Thank you sistah queen for sharing this little known fact, at least to me anyway! 🥰💖😍🏡😘

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.