Etymological Roots of Quilombo

This post is a continuation of our coverage of quilombos. The previous (and first) post can be found here.

The term "quilombo" in Brazilian Portuguese is a direct linguistic descendant of the Kimbundu word "kilombo," a Bantu language spoken in Angola. In its original context, "kilombo" literally translates to "war camp" or "encampment". This etymological link provides a crucial conceptual foundation for understanding the nature of Brazilian quilombos as sites of organized resistance.

The "Kilombo" in West Central Africa: Its Association with Military Societies and Initiation Rituals

In 17th and 18th century West Central Africa, particularly among the Imbangala (more on this in the next post on this topic) people of northeastern Angola, the word "kilombo" held significant meaning. It referred specifically to the initiation rituals of their formidable military societies. Beyond these rites, "kilombo" also designated a temporarily fortified town or armed camp, serving as a base for these warrior groups. Individuals were formally "instituted as Kilombo" upon their incorporation into Imbangala society through these rigorous rituals, signifying their adoption into the military collective.

The journey of the term "kilombo" from its African context to its application in Brazil as "quilombo" reveals a semantic adaptation. While the core meaning of a "war camp" or "encampment" for military resistance clearly persisted, its application in Brazil broadened considerably. In Africa, "kilombo" was intrinsically linked to a specific military society with distinct initiation rites and a transient, conquest-oriented lifestyle. In Brazil, "quilombo" evolved to encompass diverse communities of escaped slaves, which, while often militarily organized, also developed complex social and economic functions to sustain long-term fugitive existence.

This evolution signifies a creative re-purposing and expansion of an African concept to fit the unique challenges and requirements of establishing enduring, self-sufficient settlements in a new diasporic context, rather than solely a nomadic warrior band.

In the next post, we’ll touch on these Imbangala people and their use of quilombos.

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E Jogo Praticado na Terra