The Legacy of Afro-Brazilian Quilombolas: A Tibit Historical Overview

A quilombola is someone from Brazil who belongs to a quilombo, which are settlements that were established by escaped slaves. These communities are made up of the descendants of enslaved Africans who fled from plantations before slavery was abolished in Brazil back in 1888. One of the most notable figures among the quilombolas is Zumbi, while Palmares is perhaps the most famous quilombo, known for its significant history. Unfortunately, many quilombolas still face poverty today.

History

Slavery took root in the Americas in the 16th century, especially in Brazil, where countless Africans were kidnapped and shipped over via the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Most of these individuals ended up working in sugar plantations and mines, often suffering terrible abuse. Yet, some managed to escape. According to oral histories, one of those escapees was Aqualtune, an Angolan princess turned general who was captured during a war in Congo. After arriving in Brazil, pregnant and determined, she escaped with her soldiers to a place called Serra da Bariga, where she founded Palmares—a major quilombo that became a significant refuge for the runaway slaves.

Palmares

By the 1630s, Palmares was led by Aqualtune’s son, Ganga Zumba, who ruled from an impressive palace. The people there cleverly used African-style forges to create tools like plows and scythes for farming corn, rice, and manioc and even planted forests of palm and breadfruit. Palmares thrived, fortified by palisades and traps, and it even launched raids against Portuguese ports, which made Lisbon nervous. They viewed Palmares as a threat, declaring war against the quilombolas. Despite an onslaught of twenty attacks, Palmares held firm. However, the repeated assaults eventually took a toll on Ganga Zumba, and in 1678, he made the difficult choice to accept peace and relocate for safety. His nephew Zumbi considered this betrayal, leading to tragic events where he poisoned Ganga Zumba and rejected the peace treaty. The relentless attacks continued, and the Portuguese finally destroyed Palmares in 1694, tragically ending the era of resistance symbolized by Zumbi and his community.

Mola

The Mola quilombo, made up of about 300 formerly enslaved individuals, showcased impressive political, social, and military structures. It was first led by Felipa Maria Aranha, followed by Maria Luiza Piriá. Interestingly, this community functioned like a republic, embracing democratic voting. Over time, Mola joined forces with four other settlements to create what was known as the Confederação do Itapocu. Although traces of Mola were recorded as late as 1895, the community ultimately faded away. Historians like Benedita Pinto and Flávio Gomes often highlight Mola as a shining example of resistance against slavery.

Other Quilombola Communities

Many other quilombos sprouted during the era of Palmares and the Aqualtune dynasty. Escaped slaves often formed alliances with Indigenous peoples. Today, most quilombolas have a rich heritage that mixes African-Brazilian and Indigenous ancestry. These settlements mostly flourished deep within the jungle, away from European reach. After Palmares fell, many quilombolas either went into hiding or suffered at the hands of Europeans. Some remained hidden so effectively that it was believed they had disappeared entirely. To stay safe, they moved away from farming practices that risked exposure and instead adapted a lifestyle that beautifully merged elements from Portuguese, Indigenous, and African cultures.