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In the 16th Century, Africans were carried away in ships by the Portuguese
to newly colonized Americas. These Africans were forced onto the sugar cane
fields and into a life of slavery. Their living quarters, known as Senzalas,
were crowded, filthy and resulted in dissent. Many slaves fled these conditions
to form communities known as
Quilombos.[1]
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The most famous of these communities was called Quilombo dos Palmares and
comprised of 20,000 Africans and native Brazilian Indians. Zumbi, a well known
Quilombo leader, became famous because of his defensive skills and victories
against the dominating
Portuguese.[4]
It is believed the earliest forms of Capoeira were developed in these Quilombos as a system of ambushes with fast and tricky movements. However, many historians believe that Capoeira originated in Africa.[5] Capoeira became a weapon and symbol for freedom. As a result the practice of Capoeira was outlawed. Music, dance and rituals were incorporated, helping disguise the practice of this deadly and forbidden art. In the Quilombos, self-freed slaves shared and learned their differing dances, rituals, religions and games. On May 13 1888, Princess Isabel of Portugal abolished slavery. However, the practice of Capoeira remained prohibited until 1920.[6] |
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