When the ships
arrived at Cape Coast Castle, the slaves would be
chained and taken through the 'door of no return'
leading to the waterfront. The slaves had little idea
what would happen to them; some believed that they were
being transported to another land where they would be
eaten by the white men. Many of them (10-15%, or more) would
die of infections or illness during the sea voyage,
which typically lasted five to eight weeks with good
winds and calm seas, or sometimes up to
three months with unfavorable weather. The
men were packed into the ships' holds in very tight
quarters with no toilet facilities, chained together, and infrequently
would be allowed to come up to the top deck to get some air
and exercise. The women were often allowed more freedom to
move about the ship, where they were subjected to sexual
abuse by the crew.
The Door Of No Return; Quilt by Rosa
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