Indentured...
You Are Living History
Indentured Servitude was a form of labor in the 1500s-1600s, both in Britain and America. A person was contracted to work without a salary for a specific number of years. Indentured Servants included both women and men, and typically the time frame for this service was 4–7 years. The work varied from agriculture to simple industrial tasks, including, but not limited to, textiles, sewing, masonry, carpentry, ironwork, cooking, and childcare.
In exchange for transportation to another destination, the indentured individual would be given shelter, food, and clothing for an agreed-upon time. At the end of their contract, they would be free to leave.
The document in the photos, attached to this piece, is original and in my possession. It was found in a random vintage trunk purchased for $700 US Currency from an attic on Saint Thomas Island. I received the trunk and found a weathered hidden space. The drawer was a mess- the artifact inside perfect.
It is originally from Saint Thomas, a Caribbean island, and dates to 1593. The contract is written on Vellum, which is an animal membrane- often lambskin- which was found not only to be durable but in abundance throughout the Caribbean. It is one of my most treasured finds. It documents the history of a people and their time on earth.
The intrinsic and artistic value is immeasurable to me.
In the present day, the referring to diplomas as sheepskin dates back to this time in history. Vellum and animal skin were often used before the advent of the printing press.
Current times mirror the past.
Reflections can be seen everywhere if we are only still enough to be aware.
History is art.
All writing documents are historical artifacts. They encompass culture, perception, and create a map from past to present. They vary across the globe but have an indelible effect on society and its relationship to the present time.
Our present time, 2026, is like no other in the history of the globe.
You are Living History.
Document. Write. You are a primary resource.
Place your autograph on something meaningful to you.
Your family and descendants will have a treasure of
who you are at this specific place and time on the planet.
The connection to you will be invaluable.
It will transcend time.
Have Your Voice.
The list is infinite and personal to you. Alone.
Document: Family dynamics, religions, races, foods, language, technology, gender, communication, substance abuse, education, politics, mental acuity, retail, travel, agriculture, literature, pollution, music, environment, architecture, spirituality, art, medicine, health, alternative everything…..and anything.
We are here on this planet for such a limited time.
Life moves on to others on their journey.
We pass forward to another.
Leave your mark.
Have your voice in the written word to encourage and teach.
Assist those who read what you scribe.
Let people know who you are,
your existence, what impacts your life,
your spirit,
And your world.
Appreciate, give thanks, and pass on
your infinite knowledge through the ages.
Your ink can be your tongue.
You are living history.
Thanks for your time in reading my ramblings……
Love,
Brooklyn