The science of the art of capoeira

Capoeira History

Where does capoeira come from, how did it develop into what it is today?

The development of urban capoeira

Posted Sun, 02/28/2010 - 00:52 by cientista
malandros.jpg

For the second phase in Capoeira history we take a jump to the nineteenth century urban scenario. All Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestations were to be crushed as they were perceived to reinforce a counter-ideology of resistance and belonging - to a group other than the dominant one.

Capoeira History

Posted Sat, 02/27/2010 - 14:20 by cientista
Jogar Capuera ou Dance de la Guerre: Johann Moritz Rugendas, 1835

Within the art form of capoeira it is widely believed that capoeira was first performed in Brazil by African slaves within their slave quarters (senzalas) and during the times allotted for leisurely diversion. African slaves were grouped according to their disparity of origins. That is, Africans of the same origins were kept apart to inhibit mutual understanding and limit the chance of revolt. The one area of mutual intelligibility would be that of - music, religion and dance - which in the African context are inseparable.