Our PhD researcher, Sarah Limão Papa, recently participated in the 46th International Wolfenbüttel Summer Course titled “Early Modern Slavery”, held at the Herzog August Bibliothek in Wolfenbüttel (Germany), between 8-19 July 2024.
Led by Professor Francisco Bethencourt from King’s College London, this Summer School offered a comprehensive exploration of the legal frameworks and practices of slavery in Europe and the Atlantic World, while also investigating different forms of bondage in Asia and Africa.
Sarah Limão Papa presented her research, “On Servitude of People and Land: Land Rights and Obligations in Portuguese America (17th – 18th century).” Her study delved into the historical aspects of land tenure in Portuguese America, focusing on its unique configurations influenced by European legal traditions and the local socio-economic fabric. Through case studies and historical sources, Sarah illustrated how conflicts over land use, particularly concerning servitude and communal rights, were intertwined with the broader realities of slavery and social dependencies. Participating in this course allowed Sarah to gain new insights into the connections between slavery and land tenure in colonial contexts. The experience provided valuable knowledge and connections with scholars and fellow researchers.
