Kaminda Nos a Prosperá – Where We Thrived

An Afro-Curaçaoan Cultural Landscape map will be developed by combining the National Archaeological Anthropological Memory Management (NAAM) heritage collection, archival and literature research, historical maps, and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This website dives into the goals and deliverables of the project ‘Kaminda Nos a Prosperá’.

Empowering the Community through Heritage

In the realm of heritage research, a considerable hurdle lies in the imbalance of scholarly attention between privileged and less privileged groups. The historical experiences of marginalized communities such as women, the impoverished, children, the illiterate, and the enslaved have not received adequate investigation compared to the documented histories of more visible and powerful segments of society.
The Kaminda nos a Prosperá Project, aims to bridge this gap and shed light on the overlooked aspects of Curaçao’s cultural heritage. Specifically, the project focuses on comprehensively researching and visualizing the cultural landscape of the historical Afro-Curaçaoan population, encompassing both enslaved and free-colored groups. By making this knowledge accessible, we empower the community, instilling a deeper understanding of its roots. Knowledge equates to power; as we grasp our history and glean vital lessons from it, we forge a path to collective healing and progress, steering clear of past missteps and uniting to build a brighter future.

Unveiling Curaçao’s Unique Afro-Curaçaoan Cultural Landscape

The Kaminda Nos a Prosperá Project will accomplish the following objectives:

• The creation of the Afro-Curaçaoan Cultural Landscape map, encompassing both digital and analog versions, spanning from circa 1540 to 1954. This marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the Caribbean region.
• Generating awareness about the ongoing presence of Afro-Curaçaoan heritage, emphasizing the urgency for its preservation due to mounting external pressures like development, tourism, and natural erosion.
• The Kaminda Nos a Prosperá Project aims to unveil the diverse tapestry of Afro-Curaçaoan history, challenging prevalent perceptions and showcasing the resilience of individuals who crafted a life on the island amidst significant adversities.
• Significantly contributing to educational and research endeavors, The Kaminda Nos a Prosperá Project will furnish valuable data for various domains, including archaeology, osteology, anthropology, DNA studies, dating methodologies, and more.