Manufacture of Sugar at Katipo – Making the panellas or pots to contain it Thomas Baines (1820-1875)

The scene unfolds within a rudimentary industrial setting, likely a sugar plantation. Several figures, all appearing to be individuals of African descent, are engaged in what seems to be the production process of sugar. The central focus lies on the creation of shallow, circular containers – panellas or pots – presumably used for holding and processing the raw material.
The composition is structured around a cluster of thatched-roof structures that serve as workshops or shelters. These buildings are constructed with simple materials – wood and thatch – suggesting a basic level of infrastructure. The ground itself appears compacted earth, marked by stains and residue indicative of the labor taking place. A low fence made of branches delineates the working area from the background landscape.
The individuals depicted are arranged in various postures related to their tasks. Some kneel or squat, meticulously shaping the clay into the desired forms. Others appear to be overseeing the process or preparing materials. One figure stands slightly apart, clad in a white garment, potentially representing a supervisor or overseer. The artist has rendered them with a degree of detail that contrasts subtly with the more generalized depiction of the laborers.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and muted greens – which contribute to an atmosphere of heat and toil. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow, which adds depth and visual interest. The background features a sparse landscape with scattered trees under a pale sky.
Beyond the literal depiction of sugar production, the painting carries several layers of subtext. It offers a glimpse into an exploitative system of labor, where individuals are engaged in repetitive tasks within a confined environment. The lack of individualization among many of the workers suggests their role as components of a larger economic machine. The presence of the figure in white introduces a dynamic of power and control, hinting at the hierarchical structure inherent to colonial economies.
The overall impression is one of quiet industry, but also of constrained freedom and potentially harsh working conditions. It’s an observation of labor within a specific historical context – one marked by colonialism and the exploitation of human resources for economic gain.