Genesis of Quilombos

Brazilian quilombos represent a pivotal chapter in the history of Brasil and the history of capoeira. In this post, and the next few, we’ll go into more about the history of quilombos and their role in the development of capoeira. A general understanding of Brazilian quilombos paints them as communities of runaway slaves and refugees, and it’s in these communities that capoeira developed. Further than that, Brazilian quilombos emerged from a complex interplay of resistance and adaptation, forming a vital counter-narrative to the dominant slaveholding society. Their establishment was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of enslaved populations seeking freedom.

Formation Processes: Escape, Land Acquisition, and Autonomy

The primary method of quilombo formation involved the escape of enslaved individuals to free, often isolated, lands. However, the pathways to freedom and community building were far more diverse than simple flight. Historical records indicate that autonomy was also achieved through varied means, including inheritance, donations, and land revenues provided as payment for services rendered to the state, or even through the purchase of land both during and after the period of slavery. This multifaceted approach to securing freedom and communal existence suggests a sophisticated and adaptive strategy on the part of Afro-Brazilians. It underscores that resistance was not confined to overt armed struggle but encompassed a broader spectrum of legal and economic maneuvers, demonstrating a deep capacity for strategic adaptation within and outside the direct resistance framework of the colonial system. These communities were fundamentally driven by the imperative of resistance and the acquisition of autonomy from the prevailing colonial structure.

Chronology of Development: From Early Colonial Settlements to Contemporary Recognition

The historical presence of quilombos in Brazil dates back to the early colonial period. One of the first Portuguese documents referencing a quilombo appeared as early as 1559. While many quilombos were a "pre–19th century phenomenon," their formation continued well into the 19th century. The colonial authorities frequently attempted to suppress these communities, with many early quilombos being destroyed shortly after their formation.

A general map of where the quilombo dos Palmares was located.

Despite these efforts, some quilombos demonstrated remarkable longevity. The most renowned example, Palmares, located near Recife, managed to survive for nearly an entire century, serving as a powerful symbol of sustained resistance. Palmares was not a singular entity but a vast, independent, and self-sufficient confederation of several settlements, boasting a combined population that, at its zenith, exceeded 30,000 individuals. Other significant quilombos were found across various regions, including Mola, as well as numerous communities in Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, Minas Gerais, and the Amazon.

The legacy of quilombos extends beyond the abolition of slavery in 1888. These communities continued to exist, evolving into what are now recognized as "contemporary quilombos," whose distinct ethnic identity continues to differentiate them within Brazilian society. Even today, quilombos exist and there continues to be struggle for representations for residents of these institutions (see here for more).

In the next post, we will talk shortly on the etymological roots of the word “quilombo.”