 During the 1500's, the Portuguese were in the process of systematically colonizing the area of South America now known as Brazil. To work the wild and unruly land in preparation for colonization, the Portuguese imported hundreds of thousands of slaves from Africa. These slaves had been captured from numerous diverse regions and tribes of Angola and Guinea. The hope that this diversity would help to keep the large number of slaves separated and more easily controlled. The diversity did however, have the reverse effect. The innumerable dance and fight styles in this mix of cultures were combined and tested as movements from the surrounding wildlife. Once fused with rhythmic drums and disguised as a dance to fool the unsuspecting slave masters, the self-defense style called Capoeira was created. From the 16th through 19th centuries, Portugal shipped slaves into South America from Western Africa. Brazil was the most common destination for the African captives, with 42% of all enslaved people being shipped there from across the Atlantic. These Africans brought with them their cultural and religious traditions. Capoeira arose from this, it emerged as a way to resist oppression, secretly practice art, lift spirits and transmit culture down from generation to generation. Some historians also believe the indigenous people of Brazil also played an important role in the development of Capoeira. After slavery was abolished in 1888, the freed people moved to the cities of Brazil, and with no employment to be found, many joined or formed criminal gangs. They continued to practice Capoeira and it soon became associated with anti-government and criminal activities. As a result , Capoeira was outlawed in Brazil in 1890. Capoeira continued to be practiced, but it moved further underground; a special rhythm called Cavalaria was added to the music to warn players of the approaching police. Capoeira practicioners (capoeristas) also adopted nicknames to make it more difficult for police to discover their true identities. To this day, when a person is baptized into Capoeira at the batizado ceremony, they may be given a nickname. Nowadays, Capoeira has become popular around the world, so much so that it's beginning to influence popular culture. Nevertheless we cannot forget its origin, its philosophy and above all how to apply it in our daily lives. |
