Undercurrents of Power: Aquatic Culture in the African Diaspora (The Early Modern Americas)

Undercurrents of Power: The Hidden History of Aquatic Slaves in the Americas is a groundbreaking book that uncovers the little-known story of West Africans' proficiency in diverse maritime skills and their incorporation of water and aquatics into spiritual understandings of the world.

This book chronicles the experiences of enslaved maritime workers, tracing the emergence of African traditions in the Americas and highlighting the ways in which similar traditions—swimming, diving, boat making, even surfing—emerged within African diasporic communities.

With a focus on the transportation of goods to market and the ready access to water for respite and brief moments of bodily privacy, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the aquatic abilities of people of African descent in the Americas.

Don't miss out on this captivating and informative read that sheds light on an important aspect of history!