Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites

The sites, situated along the River Gambia, explores an exceptional testimony to the facets of the encounter between Africa and Europe, stretching from pre-colonial times in 15th century to independence. The sites were associated with the slave trade, retaining its memory related to the African diaspora and documents early access to the African interior. The property consists of seven sites. The first is James Island, now known as Kunta Kinteh Island, a small, low lying island 30 km upstream in the middle of Gambian river and strategically located to control the waterway. The original structures comprise the fort, slave house, governor's kitchen, blacksmith's shop and a store. It is where captured slaves were transferred and incarcerated before loaded on to ships.

Second is a late 15th century Portuguese-built chapel, consisting of traditional buildings, family compounds surrounded by woven fences, and public open spaces. Just 30 m away is a free-standing wall, which is contemporaneous with the church. Third is colonial warehouse. The Compagnie Française d'Afrique Occidentale Building, at the water's edge near the wharf, is a two-storey building with an adjacent warehouse. It served as a shop, store for goods and as a residence. Both are located in the village of Albreda.

Fourth is the Maurel Frères Building in Juffureh village. It was constructed around 1840 by British and later used as a warehouse by Maurel, a Lebanese trader. Now it is a small museum on the Atlantic Slave Trade, housing collection of maps, bills-of-trade, paintings and artefacts. Fifth is the remains of a Portuguese settlement of San Domingo. Established in 15th century, it used to contain gardens, a church, a cemetery, and a well. Today only ruins of a small house and a nearby former English settlement of Jillifree remains.

Sixth is Fort Bullen. It is protected from the sea by a defensive wall of stone and boulders. It includes the mud-built Old Rest House, the residence of Travelling Commissioner of the colonial administration. Seventh is the Six-Gun Battery. It was completed in 1821 and consists of six 24-pounder guns, installed on rails, and protected by a large parapet. Both are located at the mouth of Gambia River.

Albreda, Juffureh and Santo Domingo are located 30 km upstream of Gambian river. It were contained within a buffer zone, stretching 12 km along the coastline, extending 500 m inland from the high-water line. The territory was under the rule of Kingdom of Kaabu (c 1200-1867), who played an important role in Atlantic-oriented trade. Slave was a main trading item in 18th century until it was abolished.

Source: Jose Canedo/World66. Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly known as James Island)