Written and iconographic archives on the slave trade and slavery give only an idea of the facts. It is, therefore, crucially important to turn to the oral traditions in order to obtain a more complete view and a more varied assessment of this history.

The oral traditions, which generally reflect the victim’s side of the story, are still unexploited.Studies on the oral traditions are conducted under the project in order to promote the collection, analysis and actual use of this very rich intangible heritage that consists of legends, stories, proverbs, signs, metaphors, narratives, symbols and other features.

Several major areas of research have been established under the project in order to safeguard this heritage and a number of works have been published.