…is
an about 400 year old Brazilian tradition of fighting,
sport, music and culture with African roots. When Africans
were captured and sent to Brazil as slaves in the 16th
century they learned to defend themselves against the
plantation holders and the landlords. The oppressed
people mainly worked on fields. Capoeira evolved from
their traditions, suffering and struggle. For an outsider,
capoeira seems to be a dance, yet it actually is a martial
art which is accompanied by music and singing. It was
developed for survival and incorporates a lot of deceit
and malice.
Today, capoeira’s popularity is continually increasing
in many parts of the world including Europe. In Brazil,
capoeira is a national sport for men as well as women.
Elements, such as body control, acrobatics, condition
and combat distinguish this art as a unique and inimitable
sport. Not only does it train body consciousness, capoeira
also teaches the traditions and culture. In correlation
with the community the music and culture mediates a
nonrecurring attitude of life.
Capoeira
or the Dance of War by Johann Moritz Rugendas, 1825,
published 1835
"Negros
fighting, Brazil" c. 1824.
Painting by Augustus Earle depicting an illegal capoeira-like
game in Rio de Janeiro
Pictures
from Cigana:
(www.art-tart.com)
