A Collision of Cultures in the Brazilian Battle Dance - Capoeira Music

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Walsh expressed deep frustration at the government’s policy of freeing guilty
slaves while severely punishing foreigners, who seem to have been the scapegoats
whom the authorities conspired to oppress by using blacks. This may not
have been the whole truth, but there are documents attesting to the fact that tension
did exist between white foreigners and blacks, perhaps because of the tough
competition for employment. The definitions in the edicts are not unequivocal.
in most cases the word “blacks” was used, but accusations may have been made
against liberated or free men competing with poor white immigrants who were
also seeking employment. Certainly the authorities were very concerned about
the increasing number of slaves and were always on the alert. according to the
1834 census, white immigrants numbered 6,727; free blacks, 5,908; and slaves,
43,349. some researchers claim that there were many more, because the census
only included slaves who were twelve years of age and older.64 despite attempts
by historians, folklorists, sociologists, and anthropologists to depict Capoeiras
as having saved the citizens of rio de Janeiro from the rebel mercenaries in
1828, the reality was perceived quite differently at the time. all the documents
concerning those who fought against the mercenaries indicate that blacks were
involved. sometimes slaves were mentioned specifically, though not Capoeiras.
indeed, many viewed blacks as having fanned the flames of violence and conflict.
during the fighting people were killed and wounded, so that possession
of weapons constituted a serious threat to public peace. fear of an uprising was
inseparable from the system of slavery but had no direct connection with the
Capoeiras. This attitude was in evidence for several years after the rebellion in
salvador, Bahia, which broke out on the night of January 24, 1835, and lasted
for several hours. This time, the groups that led the rebellion were known as
Malês, a term referring to Moslems from West africa.65 news about the uprising
quickly reached rio via the newspapers, but the authorities were very cautious
in dealing with it, especially in view of the flourishing slave trade between Bahia
and rio. all those concerned received recommendations and edicts regarding
the steps that should be taken. one such edict from March 17, 1835, states:
The Governor . . . hopes that all necessary measures will be taken and that
everything essential will be done to calm the citizens of the capital, who fear
a repetition of the horrific scenes that occurred in Bahia during the african
uprising. i recommend that all precautionary measures be taken in regard
to the black Minas who may have settled in these areas . . . in case there are
suspicious associations . . . and that anyone who looks suspicious should
be searched, in accordance with the law, as and when determined by your
Honor.66