Abolition

A Journey Towards Freedom

In the rich tapestry of Brazilian history, the abolition of slavery stands as one of its most defining chapters. This event, which formally ended centuries of forced labour and oppression, has left an indelible mark on the country’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. For practitioners and enthusiasts of Capoeira, understanding the history of abolition is crucial, as it provides context to the art form’s development and the enduring spirit of resistance it embodies. This blog post delves deep into the complex journey toward abolition in Brazil, exploring the legal, social, and cultural forces and highlighting the profound impact on Afro-Brazilian traditions, particularly Capoeira.

The Foundations of Slavery in Brazil

To comprehend the significance of abolition, it's essential to understand the scale and impact of slavery in Brazil. The Portuguese colonization of Brazil began in the early 16th century, and from the outset, the colony's economy was heavily reliant on the labour of enslaved Africans. Brazil became the largest importer of African slaves in the Americas, with an estimated 4 to 5 million Africans forcibly brought to its shores between the 16th and 19th centuries. This represents nearly 40% of all Africans trafficked to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade.

Enslaved Africans were primarily forced to work in the sugar cane plantations of the northeastern regions, the gold mines of Minas Gerais, and the expanding coffee plantations in the southeast. Life for the enslaved was brutal, characterized by long hours of gruelling labour, harsh punishments, and a lack of fundamental human rights. Yet, amidst this suffering, the enslaved people managed to preserve their cultural identities, religions, languages, and traditions, which eventually blended with indigenous and European influences to form the unique Afro-Brazilian culture.

The Slow March Toward Abolition

The abolition of slavery in Brazil was not a sudden or singular event but the culmination of a series of gradual legal reforms, social changes, and mounting resistance from both enslaved people and their allies. While countries like Haiti and the United States experienced more abrupt transitions through revolutions and civil wars, Brazil’s path to abolition was marked by a slow erosion of the institution of slavery over several decades.

1. Early Abolitionist Sentiments and Legislation

The first significant step towards abolition in Brazil was the passage of the Law of the Free Womb (Lei do Ventre Livre) in 1871. This law declared that all children born to enslaved mothers after the law's enactment would be free. While it did not emancipate the existing enslaved population, it was a crucial step in challenging the institution of slavery. The law was also a response to growing international pressure, particularly from Britain, which had abolished slavery in its colonies and was pressuring Brazil to follow suit.

Although the Lei do Ventre Livre, the lives of those born to enslaved mothers were still controlled by the slaveholders, who were allowed to retain the labour of these children until they turned 21. This limitation reflected the reluctance of the Brazilian elite to embrace abolition fully, as the economy was still heavily dependent on slave labour.

2. The “Sexagenarian Law” and Increased Resistance

In 1885, the Sexagenarian Law (Lei dos Sexagenários or Lei Saraiva-Cotegipe) was passed, granting freedom to slaves who were 60 years old or older. However, this law was deeply flawed; few enslaved people lived to such an age due to the harsh conditions, and those who did were often too frail to work, making them a financial burden rather than a benefit to the slave owners. Moreover, the law allowed slave owners to demand compensation from the government or require additional years of service from those freed under this law, which further diminished its impact.

As the abolitionist movement gained momentum, resistance from the enslaved population also intensified. Quilombos, communities of escaped slaves, became more prevalent, providing safe havens where African cultural practices and autonomy could flourish. The most famous of these was Quilombo dos Palmares, an autonomous community that resisted Portuguese colonial rule for nearly a century. Quilombos symbolized the relentless pursuit of freedom and became a cornerstone of Afro-Brazilian identity.

In urban areas, enslaved and free Afro-Brazilians increasingly organized to demand their rights. Abolitionist societies, often supported by liberal intellectuals and politicians, began to form, advocating for immediate and total abolition. Newspapers, pamphlets, and public speeches spread abolitionist ideas, galvanizing public opinion against slavery.

3. The Role of the Catholic Church and International Pressure

The Catholic Church in Brazil played a complex role in the abolition process. Initially complicit in the perpetuation of slavery, by the late 19th century, segments of the Church began to align with the abolitionist cause. Influential clergy members condemned slavery as a sin and advocated for the humane treatment of enslaved people. Some priests provided sanctuary to escaped slaves and supported the education and liberation of enslaved Africans.

International pressure, particularly from Britain, also played a critical role. The British Empire, having abolished slavery in 1833, exerted diplomatic and economic pressure on Brazil to end the slave trade and, eventually, slavery itself. British warships patrolled the Atlantic, intercepting Brazilian slave ships and liberating their human cargo. This external pressure and internal unrest pushed Brazil closer to abolition.

4. The Golden Law and the End of Slavery

The final and most decisive step towards abolition came with the signing of the Lei Áurea (Golden Law) on May 13, 1888, by Princess Isabel, who was acting as regent in the absence of her father, Emperor Dom Pedro II. The Golden Law unequivocally abolished slavery in Brazil without compensation to slave owners. The law's passage was a momentous occasion celebrated by abolitionists and Afro-Brazilians nationwide.

However, the end of slavery did not mean the end of hardship for Afro-Brazilians. Freedmen and women were left to navigate a society that had provided them with no land, resources, or social support to integrate as free citizens. Many continued to work in conditions similar to those they had endured while enslaved, and the legacy of racial discrimination persisted.

Cultural Resilience and the Birth of Capoeira

Capoeira is one of the most significant cultural legacies of the enslaved Africans in Brazil. This Afro-Brazilian martial art developed as a form of resistance, blending elements of combat, dance, music, and acrobatics. Capoeira’s origins are deeply rooted in the experiences of enslaved Africans, who used it to maintain their physical and mental strength and as a covert means of self-defence against oppressive slave owners.

During slavery, Capoeira was practiced in secret, often disguised as a dance to avoid detection by overseers. The practice allowed enslaved people to preserve their African heritage and foster a sense of community. Music played a crucial role in Capoeira, with instruments like the berimbau guiding the rhythm of the movements and songs that often carried messages of resistance and hope.

Following abolition, Capoeira, like other expressions of Afro-Brazilian culture, faced suppression by the authorities, who viewed it as a threat to social order. Capoeira was criminalized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and practitioners were often persecuted. Despite this, Capoeira survived and evolved, eventually gaining recognition as an important cultural heritage of Brazil.

Post-Abolition Challenges and Afro-Brazilian Identity

The abolition of slavery marked a new chapter in Brazilian history, but it also ushered in a new set of challenges for the newly freed population. The Brazilian government provided no reparations or support for the millions of formerly enslaved people, many of whom were left destitute and marginalized. The majority of freed Afro-Brazilians had to contend with a society that still harboured deep-seated racial prejudices.

The Struggle for Land and Economic Independence

One immediate challenge freedmen and women faced was the lack of access to land and resources. Unlike in other countries where land redistribution programs were implemented, Brazil’s elite landowning class maintained their grip on its vast agricultural estates. The freed population was often forced to continue working on plantations under exploitative conditions or migrate to cities in search of work.

In urban areas, Afro-Brazilians faced significant obstacles to economic independence. Discrimination in employment, housing, and education limited their opportunities, leading to the formation of impoverished, segregated communities. The lack of governmental support and widespread racial discrimination fostered an environment where Afro-Brazilians had to rely on their resilience and solidarity to survive.

The Preservation and Evolution of Afro-Brazilian Culture

Despite these challenges, Afro-Brazilians continued to cultivate and preserve their cultural heritage. Capoeira academies (schools) emerged, particularly in Bahia, where the practice became more formalized and structured. Mestres (masters) played a crucial role in preserving the traditions of Capoeira, passing down techniques, songs, and philosophies to new generations of practitioners.

Afro-Brazilian religious practices, such as Candomblé, flourished despite state and Catholic Church persecution. These religions, rooted in African spirituality, provided many Afro-Brazilians a sense of community and spiritual solace. Preserving these cultural practices was an act of resistance against the forces of assimilation and erasure.

The Role of Capoeira in the Fight for Racial Equality

Throughout the 20th century, Capoeira played a pivotal role in Brazil's broader struggle for racial equality. This Afro-Brazilian martial art, born out of the resilience and creativity of enslaved Africans, evolved from a covert form of resistance to a powerful symbol of cultural identity and a tool for challenging racial injustice.

Capoeira as a Form of Cultural Resistance

Capoeira's origins are deeply intertwined with the African diaspora's experience in Brazil. During the slavery era, enslaved Africans used Capoeira to preserve their cultural heritage, maintain physical fitness, and covertly practice self-defense. The art form was often disguised as a dance, allowing practitioners to train without drawing the attention of slave owners and colonial authorities. This blend of combat and dance, accompanied by music and song, created a unique cultural expression that embodied resistance, survival, and community.

After the abolition of slavery in 1888, Capoeira continued to be associated with marginalized Afro-Brazilian communities. Despite the official end of slavery, Afro-Brazilians remained economically disadvantaged and socially oppressed, with little access to education, employment, or political power. Capoeira provided a way for these communities to assert their identity, resist cultural assimilation, and maintain a sense of pride in their African heritage.

Criminalization and Persecution of Capoeira

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Brazilian government viewed Capoeira as threatening social order. In 1890, the practice was criminalized under the Penal Code, which labeled it as a form of vagrancy and rebellion. Capoeiristas (Capoeira practitioners) were often arrested, beaten, and imprisoned. The criminalization of Capoeira was part of a broader effort to suppress Afro-Brazilian culture and maintain the racial hierarchy established during the colonial era.

Despite the persecution, Capoeira persisted in the shadows, practiced secretly by dedicated practitioners who passed down its traditions through oral history. The repression of Capoeira only strengthened its association with resistance, as it became a symbol of defiance against the oppressive state and a means of empowerment for Afro-Brazilians.

The Re-Emergence and Institutionalization of Capoeira

The mid-20th century marked a turning point for Capoeira as the art form began to gain legitimacy and recognition. Two key figures in this transformation were Mestre Bimba (Manoel dos Reis Machado) and Mestre Pastinha (Vicente Ferreira Pastinha), who were instrumental in formalizing and institutionalizing Capoeira.

Mestre Bimba, the creator of Capoeira Regional, introduced a structured curriculum that included training sequences, uniforms, and graduation ceremonies. He opened the first Capoeira academy in Salvador, Bahia, in 1932, officially recognized by the government in 1937. Mestre Pastinha, known for preserving the traditional Capoeira Angola, also established a formal academy and emphasized Capoeira's cultural and philosophical aspects.

The formalization of Capoeira allowed it to gain acceptance beyond Afro-Brazilian communities, attracting practitioners from different social and racial backgrounds. However, this transition was not without controversy, as some argued that the institutionalization of Capoeira diluted its original spirit of resistance and marginalized its African roots. Despite these debates, the spread of Capoeira to new audiences helped to elevate its status as a legitimate cultural practice and a source of pride for Afro-Brazilians.

Capoeira and the Civil Rights Movement in Brazil

As Brazil's civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, Capoeira played a vital role in fighting for racial equality and social justice. The movement sought to challenge the pervasive racial discrimination and inequality that continued to affect Afro-Brazilians long after the abolition of slavery. Capoeira became a vehicle for raising awareness of these issues, fostering solidarity among marginalized communities, and promoting a positive image of Afro-Brazilian culture.

Capoeira academies, particularly in urban centres like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, became spaces for social and political mobilization. They provided a platform for discussions about racial identity, cultural heritage, and the struggle for civil rights. Capoeira practitioners and many activists used the art form to educate the public about Afro-Brazilian history, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for equal rights.

In addition to its role in the civil rights movement, Capoeira also contributed to the broader cultural renaissance of Afro-Brazilian traditions. The music, dance, and oral history associated with Capoeira were integral to preserving and promoting Afro-Brazilian culture, which the dominant society had systematically devalued and suppressed. Afro-Brazilians could reclaim and celebrate their heritage through Capoeira, fostering a sense of pride and unity.

Capoeira as a Global Symbol of Resistance

Capoeira's influence extended beyond Brazil in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as it gained popularity worldwide. Today, Capoeira is practiced in over 160 countries, with thousands of academies and groups dedicated to teaching its techniques, philosophy, and cultural significance. As Capoeira spread globally, it retained its identity as a symbol of resistance and empowerment, resonating with marginalized communities worldwide.

In many countries, social movements, youth groups, and cultural organizations have adopted capoeira to address issues of inequality, racism, and social exclusion. The art form's emphasis on discipline, resilience, and community makes it an effective means of fostering positive social change. Capoeira's global reach has also contributed to recognising Afro-Brazilian culture as a vital part of the world's cultural heritage.

Capoeira's Legacy in the Fight for Racial Equality

Capoeira's journey from the quilombos of colonial Brazil to the global stage is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Afro-Brazilian communities. It has played a crucial role in the fight for racial equality, serving as a form of cultural resistance and a powerful symbol of Afro-Brazilian identity. As Brazil continues to grapple with its legacy of slavery and ongoing racial disparities, Capoeira remains a potent reminder of the enduring struggle for justice and equality.

For Capoeiristas and others committed to social justice, Capoeira is more than just a martial art; it is a way of life that embodies the principles of resistance, solidarity, and empowerment. Through its music, movement, and philosophy, Capoeira teaches respect, resilience, and community values, which are essential in the ongoing fight for a more just and equitable society. As we honour the legacy of those who fought for freedom, Capoeira inspires new generations to stand against oppression and work towards a world where everyone can express their culture and live with dignity.