Dierick Ruiters

Dierick Ruiters (1575–1640) was a Dutch ship captain in the 17th century, known for his involvement in the founding of the Dutch West India Company and for his writings describing the voyages of Dutch sailors.

Biography Dierick Ruiters initiated his voyages along the coasts of Senegal and Angola in 1612 and later expanded his explorations to Brazil in 1617. He gained recognition in the maritime community for his skills.

Together with Willem Usselincx, Dierick Ruiters strongly opposed the participation of the Dutch West India Company in the slave trade. Ruiter supported his viewpoint with a deep understanding of Portuguese empire practices.

In 1623, Dierick Ruiters published a work titled The Beacon of the Navy or The Beacon of Navigation, denouncing the slave trade in the Portuguese empire, stating that it was driven by profit. This flour was highly valued by indigenous people because it was not common in the region.

The practice of transporting cassava flour as provisions for sea journeys was also mentioned in a testimonial from the Spanish explorer Nicolas Monardès in 1580.