Cafres or Kafs are Malagasy and/or African-born residents of Réunion. They are frequently of mixed ancestry.
In contrast to other countries or locations in the southwest of Indian Ocean, the phrase is widely used in Réunion. It refers to “any individual whose phenotype can be traced back to more or less African and Malagasy ancestors,” according to sociologist Paul Mayoka’s essay “The Image of the Cafre.” Slave ethnic groups from Southeast Africa are also referred to as “slave ethnic clusters.”
From the 16th century to the middle of the twentieth century, a lascar was a sailor or militiaman from the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Arab world, British Somaliland, or other region east of the Cape of Good Hope who worked on European ships.
This panel showcasing the 18th century image of Cafres and Canarin Lascar in the Philppines is among the 12 vignettes featured in Murillo-Velarde 1734 Map.