This paper addresses the profile of the freed population in Rio de Contas (Bahia, Brazil) over the 19th century by examining their origin (Africa or Brazil), nation (for Africans), color, sex and, whenever possible, age, and how such variables influenced the terms of manumission. The relationship between the kinds of manumission and both origin and sex is further investigated after identifying the same variables above in the enslaved population in the municipality in order to enable a comparison with those who conquered their freedom. Letters of manumission dated 1800-1850, 1850-1871 and 1871-1888 are examined for the variables at stake and, whenever feasible, data from other regions in Bahia and Brazil are used for comparison.
Manumission; Rio de Contas; 19th century.