History of Africa. 19th century. Floating factory on the shrimp river. The lack of security meant that in some areas of the Congo and other African regions it was not possible to built factories with which to maintain trade with the natives. Instead, large barges were used as floating warehouses that traversed the rivers and tributaries. To them the natives came in their canoes to exchange their products with European goods. Engraving. El Congo y la Creacion del Estado Independiente de este nombre. Historia de los Trabajos y Exploraciones Verificados (The Congo and the Founding of its Free State. A Story of Work and Exploration), by Henry M. Stanley. Edited in Barcelona, ca. 1890. Spain.