Dutch Slave Ship — 17th–18th C. Transatlantic Trade Model (15 in / 38 cm, Western Red Cedar)
The Dutch Slave Ship was a key vessel used during the 17th and 18th centuries, playing an integral role in the transatlantic slave trade. These ships were designed to transport enslaved Africans from the continent to the Americas, as part of the Dutch colonial empire's extensive trading network. Built with advanced shipbuilding techniques of the time, Dutch slave ships were engineered for both durability and efficiency. Their design allowed for the transportation of large numbers of enslaved individuals under brutal conditions, as well as goods between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Though they were symbols of Dutch maritime prowess, these ships are also a painful reminder of the dark legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, a chapter in history that left a lasting impact on global society and continues to shape modern discussions on race and history