User:Daniloobittencourt/Gain slaves

Earning slaves, in the context of colonial Brazil and the Empire, were slaves forced by their masters to perform some type of work on the streets, taking home a previously stipulated sum of money at the end of the day.

It was relatively common for this type of slave to be able to build up a nest egg, which he would probably spend in order to purchase his freedom by paying the master for his manumission. Although known since the 17th century in urban areas, during the Empire era the practice was more controlled by the state, which granted licenses to owners for its use. The main activities they engaged in were carrying, sweets making and small repairs, although some masters induced female slaves into prostitution, which was prohibited by law.

These slaves, despite the fact that they could be terribly punished if they did not earn the amounts demanded by their masters, had certain advantages over other types of slaves, because they had greater mobility, meaning that they had more possibilities of movement than slaves in the rural areas and mining companies.