This two-volume encyclopedia is the first to focus on the material life of slaves.

Although many encyclopedias discuss slavery, enslaved blacks, and African American life and culture, none focus on the material world of slaves, such as what they saw; touched; heard; ate, drank, and smoked; wore; worked with and in; used, cultivated, crafted, played, and played with; and slept on. The two-volume World of a Slave: Encyclopedia of the Material Life of Slaves in the United States is a landmark work in this important new field of study.



Recognizing that a full understanding of the complexity of American slavery and its legacy requires an understanding of the material culture of slavery, the encyclopedia includes entries on almost every aspect of that material culture, beginning in the 17th century and extending through the Civil War. Readers will find information on animals, documents, economy, education and literacy, food and drink, home, music, personal items, places, religion, rites of passage, slavery, structures, and work. There are also introductory essays on literacy and oral culture and on music and dance.









178 A–Z entries on almost all aspects of the material culture of enslaved African Americans from the 17th century until 1865



Contributions from a plethora of scholars, curators, artisans, and archaeologists in the field



Sidebars including quotations from former slaves in which they describe the use and meaning of material objects



Period paintings, watercolors, photographs, and drawings that illustrate the material world of enslaved blacks



Photos of buildings, archaeological assemblages, and modern-day reproductions to illustrate specific entries



A thematic guide that helps users easily find related topics



Includes a substantial selected bibliography, including vetted websites