Makandal

The Slave Years

Makandal is generally believed to have been born in the Guinea coast of Africa, which in the 18th century referred to the entire western part of the continent. His birth name, birth place, and exact birth date are unknown. Some scholars, however, [Page 400]have suggested that Makandal may have come from the village of Makandal, which is located in the Loango region in what is now the Republic of Congo, which should not be confused with the DRC (formerly known as Zaire). This assumption is based on two facts. First, enslaved African were sometimes named after their hometowns. Second, it is on record that Makandal had a close friend named Mayombe, which is also a village in southern Congo.

Makandal is believed to have been captured at the age of 12 and taken to St. Domingue, now Haiti, betweenl745 and 1750, and sold to a French colonist named Le Normand de Mézy. Makandal is alleged to have told some of his confidants that his father was a figure of authority in Africa. In fact, Makandal's ability to speak, write, and read Arabic fluently lent credence to the view that he was born to an affluent family. Usually, only privileged families could afford to educate their children in the 18th century in Africa.

He is believed to have been a Muslim when he was captured into slavery. Makandal is also said to have possessed an incredible knowledge of herbs and medicine. In fact, his vast knowledge of herbs and medicine was sought after by blacks and whites alike, making him a popular figure. Makandal treated illnesses among the enslaved Africans, the French, and the livestock. He became the gardien de bêtes or caretaker of the white man's animals after he lost a wrist in a farm accident.

Makandal is said to have been held in quite high esteem by Le Normand de Mézy until he had an affair with an enslaved African woman. Makandal was subsequently sentenced to 50 lashes, but he ran away because such a sentence usually and ultimately meant death. He settled in the mountains, where he became the leader of the Maroons, that is, of those Africans who had managed to escape the plantocratic environment.

A Fugitive Leader

Makandal became even more famous and legendary for his magic and ability to poison during his years as a fugitive. After his escape, he became determined to liberate the Africans from white oppression. He was so successful in recruiting additional Maroons that it is believed that he had agents in all of the colonies. At the height of his operations, it is estimated that Makandal had more than 20,000 maroons who belonged to ethnic groups that, hitherto, did not coexist, working for him. More than any group of people, Makandal relied on the pacotilleurs, the free blacks who visited the white plantations to sell cheap goods to the enslaved Africans. Makandal used them as conduits to relay information throughout the plantations. Well aware of the military might of the French, Makandal sought the financial assistance of the free blacks who benefited from the colonial economy.

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