Chinese Immigrants in Cuba: Documents From the James and Ana Melikian Collection
The Chinese Immigrants in Cuba collection includes hundreds of original documents, manuscripts and photos covering the migration of 125,000 Chinese who signed up to be cheap labor in Cuba from 1847 until the later 1890s. The archive continues until the 1970s and records the Chinese community in Cuba and is rich with photos. This massive collection, from the archive of James and Ana Melikian Collection, is probably the largest one in private hands concerning Chinese in Cuba. At present, the physical collection contains over 1,341 records and about 8,000-9,000 pages.
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Created1858
DescriptionDetails the causes for Chinese immigration to Cuba and the experiences of the workers when they arrive. Mentions how the government of Cuba is involved in the contracts that bring Chinese settlers to Cuba to work as indentured servants and slaves
Created1866-06-30
Description
These documents pertain to a Chinese "cult" in Havana that alarmed several government officials who were concerned that not taking any measures to disband the cult and to successfully convert the Chinese settlers to Catholicism could be dangerous for the integrity of the Catholic faith in Cuba, and for Cuban citizens. 1866.
Created1866
DescriptionSummary of an examination into the relationship between Catholicism and the Chinese settlers that had been baptized, labeling it "deplorable" because complete integration had not taken place and that the settlers were still worshiping "idols" due to their isolation in agricultural work. 1866.
Created1866-11-06
DescriptionReports the concerns of Catholic leaders about the idolatry and cult groups forming among converted Chinese settlers.
Created1866-06-18
DescriptionDocument pertaining to Chinese settlers converting to Catholicism and adopting what missionaries considered "appropriate" morals and habits in their Catholic faith.
Created1863-09-16
DescriptionFernando, a Chinese settler, converted to Christianity. In his baptism, he offered his loyalty to the Cuban government and the church in order to eventually receive permanent residency in Cuba, a legal requirement.
DescriptionOfficial naturalization document of Simon, a Chinese settler, who was granted his carta de naturaleza, or naturalization documents. Relates that Simon had take an oath of loyalty and obedience to the Cuban government that was required of him.
Created1866-08-28
DescriptionCertifies that Simon Perez, a Chinese settler, completed an eight-year-contract with his employer, the Sugar Refinery de Carmen.
Created1869-06-07
DescriptionCandelaria, a slave, converted to Christianity. She was the slave of Juan Sibario and was the daughter of the Chinese settler, Eustaguia. Her godmother was Merced Sonata Cruz, a creole slave. She was owned by Antonio Agustin Villa.
Created1877-05-10
DescriptionRecord for Candelaria Maria, the child of a Creole, Clara and an unknown father. Her grandmother was Jacoba Loria. Her godfather was Angel Grey Valdes and her godmother was Maria Medina who was a slave of Carlos Dias Arguelles. She was baptized in Cerro.