Summary

The archival research stay at the IANCV was carried out within the framework of the ArchLabour project, with the aim of gathering documentation on public works, labour history, and the technical infrastructures developed across the Cabo Verde archipelago during the late colonial period. The research combined systematic consultation of catalogues and finding aids with the identification of key archival materials.

Research began with the examination of handwritten catalogue sheets from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) fonds, alongside other finding aids held at the IANCV. This initial survey enabled the identification of relevant fonds and records, with particular attention given to documentation relating to major infrastructures such as Sal Airport, the Praia Seminary designed by architect Silva e Castro, lyceums and schools, road networks, workers’ settlements, and water-supply systems. A central objective of the research was also to locate records concerning public works labour in Cabo Verde, including information on workers’ origins, training, wages, technical staff, construction materials, and transport logistics.

This research produced substantial results. Thousands of MIT catalogue sheets were examined, covering areas such as hydraulics, ports, aerodromes, urban planning, and education. Of particular significance was the identification of documentation produced by technical brigades responsible for hydraulic and road construction, as well as by other colonial technical departments overseeing public works. Labour‑related materials were also located, including worksite diaries, nominal lists of labourers, wage tables, and invoices for construction materials.

Beyond the MIT fonds, relevant documentation was also found in the Institute of Labour, Welfare and Social Action (ITPAS) fonds, particularly records relating to labour recruitment, mobility, trade union activity, unemployment lists, and intercolonial transfers. The fonds of the Secretariat‑General of Government, the Customs Services, the Praia Municipal Administration, and other municipal fonds were similarly surveyed, providing additional insight into the local implementation of public works. The research further identified photographic and postcard collections held at the Museum, which visually document infrastructure across the archipelago.

All collected material is currently being organised into Excel datasets and PDF files to support the ongoing research activities of the ArchLabour team.