Английская Википедия:Capoeira carioca

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Шаблон:Short description

Файл:Fight between two capoeiras (1925).jpg
Fight between two capoeiras (1925)

Capoeira carioca was a street fighting version of capoeira that existed in Rio de Janeiro during the 19th century. In capoeira carioca, all available means were used, including various types of weapons, such as knives, straight razors, clubs and machetes. Capoeira from this period is also known as capoeiragem.

Rio de Janeiro was the epicentre of capoeira in the 19th century. In the early 19th century, it transmitted primarily among black slaves born in Portuguese Angola.Шаблон:Sfn Africans were massively present in the Rio, performing their games, celebrations, festivals. They formed their capoeira maltas, slaves "fraternal paramilitary organizations" that defended the neighborhoods.Шаблон:Sfn

As of the mid-19th century, capoeira was increasingly detached from its music and dancing and was essentially a criminal activity.Шаблон:Sfn After the Paraguayan War (1865-1870), the capoeiras became involved in politics.Шаблон:Sfn By the late 19th century, capoeirista demographics in Rio had changed significantly, with the majority being free Creoles (blacks born in Brazil), mixed, and whites.

The widespread violent capoeira practice in Rio led to a nationwide ban on capoeira. After the ban in 1890 and the subsequent mass arrests of capoeira maltas, this style of capoeira is generally extinct.

Contemporary capoeira comes from the traditional capoeira Angola, preserved in Bahia.

Background

In the early 19th century, newcomers to Rio de Janeiro might mistake it for an African town.Шаблон:Sfn Roughly two-thirds of Rio's population had African ancestry,Шаблон:Sfn as nearly 80 percent of them originated from Angola.Шаблон:Sfn The enslaved population, initially 12,000 in 1808 (about 20% of the urban population), rapidly expanded to over 36,000 by 1821, constituting roughly 45% of the city's residents.Шаблон:Sfn

In 1808, prince Dom João VI, along with the royal court, moved to Rio de Janeiro. Due to city growth, more slaves were brought to manufactures.[1] Urban slaves lived without direct supervision, and their main duty was to bring money to their master. Africans were very present in public, with frequent dances, festivals and processions.Шаблон:Sfn Many of their activities, such as capoeira, African religions and batuque, were suppressed and persecuted.Шаблон:Sfn The head of new Royal Police Guard, major Vidigal, notorious persecutor of capoeristas, was an excellent capoerista himself.Шаблон:Sfn

History

Шаблон:Main Capoeira was practiced in closed societies of enslaved Africans, although colonial authorities punished it harshly. The term capoeira is first mentioned in 1789, as "the gravest of crimes", in a judicial record reporting how a young man Adão was severely punished with 500 lashings for being capoeira:

Шаблон:Blockquote

In capoeira groups, known as maltas, the knowledge of the capoeira was preserved and transmitted.Шаблон:Sfn

A violent slave game

Файл:Jogar capoëra ou danse de la guerre.jpg
Playing capoeira or war dance, Rio de Janeiro, between 1822 and 1824, by Rugendas
Файл:Public punishment in Santa Ana Square (detail).jpg
Public lashing of Negroes in Santa Ana Square, between 1822 and 1824, by Rugendas.
Файл:CapoeiraEarle.JPG
"Negroes fighting, Brazil" by Augustus Earle, depicting an illegal capoeira in Rio de Janeiro c. 1824

On December 13, 1811, a capoeira group assaulted the police (Corpo de Permanentes). These capoeiras, armed with knives, intended to forcefully take from the jail guards one of their arrested comrades.Шаблон:Sfn

Between 1812 and 1814, Rio's capoeira saw a dramatic rise in razor use, from under five cases in 1812 to about forty in 1814.Шаблон:Sfn On September 30, 1812, the slave Pedro Benguela, was arrested for playing capoeira with a razor in Carioca square and sentenced to 100 lashes. In January 1813, three more capoeira players were charged: one received 200 lashes, another 50 lashes, and the third 200 lashes.Шаблон:Sfn

In March 1814 the police chef saw violent capoeiras in the street, in the time where the prince João was passing by. They were "with knives and sticks and with the ribbons they sometimes use to come out, causing great mayhem and shouting".Шаблон:Sfn

It seems that typical capoeira garments of that period included a hat and colored ribbons. Many arrested capoeiras wore colored ribbons, especially yellow and red, associated with Kongo/Angola religions. On December 13, 1814, two African slaves were arrested for playing capoeira and wearing colored ribbons.Шаблон:Sfn The African slave Bernardo Moçambique was arrested on March 14, 1815, for "playing capoeira, possessing a razor, and tying a red ribbon to a pole." Three days later, the enslaved African João Congo, was arrested for playing capoeira and for possessing a cane, a knife, and ribbons.Шаблон:Sfn They also commonly wear hats or caps. These items may have signified their ethnic identity, but it's unclear if they indicated gang affiliation.

In 1816, police reported that black capoeiras, especially in Direita Street, causing disturbances and engaging in stone-throwing during their games in the city.Шаблон:Sfn

On July 25, 1817, two capoeiristas, José Benguela and Joaquim Augusto, were arrested, with one in possession of a sharp knife (faca de ponta) and the other carrying a saber (estoque).Шаблон:Sfn In 1817, the police declared strict penalties for possession of knives, and the same for those "whistling and with sticks", including 300 lashes (for slaves only) and three months of forced labor:

Шаблон:Blockquote

Whistling was the way capoeiristas signaled each other.Шаблон:Sfn In 1817 one officer required the arrest of "all the negros and mulattos" that "entertain themselves in capoeiragem games" in seven different locations in the city.Шаблон:Sfn

On February 4, 1818, five slaves playing capoeira were captured with a straight razors.Шаблон:Sfn In the same year, another African slave was arrested for playing capoeira and "wearing a white straw hat with a big yellow and red ribbon tied to its crown."Шаблон:Sfn

On January 15, 1819, the slave Alexander Mozambique was jailed for practicing capoeira and given a three-month sentence with 300 lashes.Шаблон:Sfn On November 25, 1819, the slave José Angola was arrested for playing capoeira and was recognized as a capoeira leader.Шаблон:Sfn

On January 3, 1820, the slave Joaquim Angola was arrested for possessing a razor and a "capoeira club".Шаблон:Sfn On March 20, 1820, Bernardo Mina was arrested, but his friend Estanislao tried to resist the arrest, calling on his capoeira comrades for help. They threw stones at the patrol and encircled it in an unsuccessful attempt to free the capoeiristas.Шаблон:Sfn On February 28, 1820, slaves Francisco Rebolo and José Ganguela were arrested "for being in a gathering of capoeiras and wearing red hats — a capoeira symbol."Шаблон:Sfn

In January 1821, the slave Ignácio Mossange played capoeira with a razor and was sentenced to 300 lashes and three months in the penitentiary.Шаблон:Sfn In December 1821, following "six deaths and many knife wounds", the Military committee demanded publicly and firmly punishing of arrested black capoeiras, caught by the military school, and opposed their release, pressured by slave owners.Шаблон:SfnШаблон:Sfn Between 1810 and 1821, out of 4,853 arrests, 438 were capoeira-related.Шаблон:Sfn On February 6, 1822 Emperor Pedro I pledged four days leave to any soldier who caught a capoeirista.Шаблон:Sfn

Between 1822 and 1824, the German painter Johann Moritz Rugendas described capoeira game: Шаблон:Blockquote

On April 17, 1824, martial arts were used to rescue captured quilombo members on the outskirts of Rio City.Шаблон:Sfn Resolution from August 30, 1824, ordered arrested black capoeiras to work on the dam instead of being flogged.Шаблон:Sfn By December 1824, police reported large disruptions by black capoeiras on Sundays and holidays, leading to stabbings, injuries, and thefts.Шаблон:Sfn

Suppression of the mercenary revolt

Файл:Debret - Négres ào Tronco.jpg
Negros in prison, circa 1830, by Debret.

In June 1828, the revolt of German and Irish mercenaries broke out. They advanced toward King's palace, sparking citywide riots by June 10. While the tradition suggests that major Vidigal called upon the capoeiras, they might just took the chance to fight the foreign whites during the chaos.Шаблон:Sfn One of the eyewitnesses wrote:

Шаблон:Blockquote

A German observer asserted that slaves gained five decades' worth of confidence in just three days, sensing their newfound power.Шаблон:Sfn After the mutiny was suppressed, Police Commissioner issued an edict prohibiting all blacks, especially slaves, from using any kind of weapon.Шаблон:Sfn

In 1829, law limited the number of lashes for a slave to fifty per day. However, exceptions were made for two major threats to the system: quilombolas and capoeiras, who were publicly whipped at pillars in Campo de Santana squares as a deterrent.Шаблон:Sfn

Few edicts were issued in 1830 to regulate undesirable African activities, including gatherings, games, rituals, nudity and capoeira: Шаблон:Blockquote

Файл:A Funeral Procession for the Son of a Black King (detail).jpg
A Funeral Procession for the Son of a Black King, by Debret c. 1835 (detail)

On July 26, 1831, multiple capoeira groups, organized into the unit of more than 200 "blacks and mulattoes", attacked the municipal guard patrol, composed of men of status, targeting their chief. They engaged in a battle in the Catete suburb, stoning the patrol leader. Afterwards, they split into the distinct factions and dispersed in opposite directions. The reason of attack is unknown, but they were likely seeking revenge for some perceived injustice.Шаблон:Sfn This incident implies high level of organization within the capoeira groups.Шаблон:Sfn The following day, the Police Inspector General recommended training and authorizing loyal citizens to use firearms in assisting the police in apprehending capoeiras and other criminals.Шаблон:Sfn Soon after, the National Guard was founded.

On November 16, 1832, the police inspector reported that black capoeiras and similar individuals conceal spears and weapons in marimbas, sugarcane pieces, and small black whip handles made locally.Шаблон:Sfn

In June 1833, Rio de Janeiro's Police Chief expressed concern about capoeiras' audacity, leading to stone-throwing incidents in Campo de Santana.Шаблон:Sfn On November 18, 1833, two black men were stabbed to death, and two wounded reported assaults by capoeiras.Шаблон:Sfn

Increase in capoeira violence

<poem lang="en"> I did not study to be a priest Neither to be a doctor I did study capoeira To beat up the [police] inspector (Capoeira song from XIX century Rio) Шаблон:Sfn </poem>

Around the 1840s, authorities noticed changes within the capoeira community, leading to new terminology. The terms "capoeira slaves" and "black capoeiras" were replaced with "capoeiras" and "capoeira groups." These groups were well and hierarchically organized.Шаблон:Sfn

From the 1840s, most capoeira offenders were sent to the navy.Шаблон:Sfn On March 3, 1842, the police commissioner wrote to the admiral that the sending of five capueristas to the navy may caused a great revolt:

Файл:Capoeira slaves 1832.jpg
Capoeira negroes going to be whipped, by Briggs, c. 1840.

Шаблон:Blockquote

On May 14, 1847, the commander of the Campo de Santana quarter, saw four capoeiras came running, waving knives and chasing a black man who was fleeing and "whistling with all his might". After they reached the border of the neighborhood, the chase stopped.Шаблон:Sfn In June, 1849, a police patrol had trouble to arrest two capoeiras who resisted arrest with blows. After arresting them, the patrol was surrounded by their comrades stoning them.Шаблон:Sfn

In Rio, since 1850, Creoles, born in Brazil to African slave parents and native Portuguese speakers, began to emerge. Free Creoles and whites eventually became the capoeira gang leaders.[2] By midcentury murder and injuries became more prevalent in the war for teritorry.Шаблон:Sfn

As per Filho, leadership status was attained only by those "whose bravery could not be overcome".Шаблон:Sfn Reverend James Fletcher, who visited Rio during the 1850s, characterized capoeira leaders as those with the most people killed.Шаблон:Sfn In 1853, the police commissioner wrote to the minister of justice about the recent mass murder in the Santa Anna parish:

Шаблон:Blockquote

Файл:Capoeiragem (colorized).jpg
An engraving showing Manduca da Praia in the midst of a street battle of capueristas in Rio.

In 1857, Kidder and Fletcher described capoeiras as "members of some sort of secret society, where all the glory goes to whoever destroys the most lives".Шаблон:Sfn On January 19, 1859, Minister of Justice stated that the capoeiras use the festival days for their "runs," commit crimes, and intentionally frighten peaceful citizens.Шаблон:Sfn The folklorist Mello Moraes describes how capoeiras violently interrupted public events in the mid-19th century Rio:

Шаблон:Blockquote

Some capoeiras were employed in public agencies such as the police, the fire brigade, the National Guard. On January 19 1859, the minister complained that in their spare time many soldiers took off their uniforms and trained capoeira.Шаблон:Sfn In 1859, the police commissioner requested the dismissal of the violent caporeista Felisberto do Amaral from the National Guard:

Шаблон:Blockquote

Police data from the mid-19th century shows that capoeira was the main reason for the arrests:

Шаблон:Blockquote

Standard punishment for imprisoned capoeiras were whipping (for slaves only) and forced labour in the dockyards.Шаблон:Sfn

Paraguayan War (1864–1870)

Many capoeiras had been sent into the Paraguayan War (18641870) and were promised freedom and privileges in return. The police used recruitment to clean the city of capoeiras.Шаблон:Sfn

Capoeira battalions were made up of capoeiristas who were forced to join the army in the streets or in prisons. These battalions were specialized in invading and conquering enemy trenches and ships using mostly white weapons, such as bayonets, machetes, and swords.Шаблон:Sfn The capoeiristas were so fierce and effective in battle that they earned the reputation of being the Brazilian Warriors.Шаблон:Sfn

The war elevated marginalized individuals to heroes, and gang leaders became associated with powerful individuals.[2] In December 1869, the military police caught a group of capoeiras near the king’s palace. An inquiry revealed that four of them were military policemen.Шаблон:Sfn

After the war, in Rio alone 2900 slaves were freed because of their participation in the war, among them many capoeiras.Шаблон:Sfn

Capoeira and political violence

Файл:Recruitment of capoeiras into the police 1885.jpg
A caricature ridiculing the recruitment of capoeiras into the police promoted by the Conservative Party (1885). Note the use of sticks.

After the war, many capoeristas became associated with ruling politicians, buying votes and intimidating voters for the Conservative Party.[2] By resorting to violence against the opposition voters, these gangs secured impunity in their territorial domains.[2]

By the 1870s the capoeira gangs formed two main maltas: Nagoas and Guaiamos, organized by city parishes.[3] Guaiamú has parties such as Saint Francis, Saint Rita, Ouro Preto, Marinha, and Saint Domingos de Gusmão. Their color was red. Nagoa has parties like Saint Lucia, Saint Joseph, Lapa, Saint Anne, and Moura. They color was white. Many workers wearing these colors were often targeted with violence.[3] These parties had leaders, assistants, policemen and rank-and-file soldiers,[3] which discovers military principles in gang culture.Шаблон:Sfn Moreover, many capoeiras served as policemen, National Guards or soldiers.Шаблон:Sfn Soares suggests that while the Guaiamus were mixed-race, the Nagoas were mostly blacks of African origin. Assunção finds this assumption problematic as Africans and Creoles were present in all the city parishes.Шаблон:Sfn

Both gangs held regular Sunday exercises, with knife and razor blows:

Файл:Female capoeira with razor 1882.jpg
Female capoeira with razor 1882.

Шаблон:Blockquote

In 1871, the police commissioner clarified the growing capoeira problem: it isn't unlawful; only physical injury, assault, or murder by capoeiras are crimes. This complicates legal action, as they are national Guard members, not drifters, and also army and navy veterans.Шаблон:Sfn

Street battles among maltas were exceptionally brutal, marked by the use of all available weapons like clubs and knives, frequently resulting in a high number of casualties. In 1872, the police commissioner revealed that capoeira groups, organized by neighborhoods with specific leaders, not only compete for control among themselves but also "kill and maim other innocent citizens".Шаблон:Sfn

The Nagoas and Guaiamuns were used, respectively, as a hitforce by the Conservative and Liberal party.[4] Newly founded Republican party was among the rare political entities opposing the maltas. In 1872, capoeiras were involved in the August elections.Шаблон:Sfn The major political incident occurred in February 1873, when capoeira gangs violently broke republican meeting, inspired by the declaration of a republic in Spain. A República from March 1873 wrote:

Шаблон:Blockquote

During carnival time, capoeira fighters would lead the bands through the streets of that city.Шаблон:Sfn The infamous capoeiras were typically only seen during military parades, where they position themselves at the forefront of the troops.Шаблон:Sfn In 1878, Moraes Filho wrote that the capoeiras form up in groups of 20 to 100 in front of troops and carnival processions, "provoking disorder, running, wounding".Шаблон:Sfn On January 27, 1878, the police arrested a large gang of capoeiras "who were walking in front of the band of the 10th infantry battalion".Шаблон:Sfn The same night, one hundred capoeiras were arrested.Шаблон:Sfn

On January 29, 1878, two women, Isabel and Ana, were arrested for "showing their expertise in capoeiragem".Шаблон:Sfn

In 1881, the majority of the arrested capoeiras (60%) were free citizens (usually workers), against 40% slaves.Шаблон:Sfn In 1885, whites represented at least 22% of the arrested, increasing to 33% in 1890, blacks counted for 36% and 30% respectively, while others not being qualified in terms of colour.Шаблон:Sfn

The formation of the Black Guard

Шаблон:Main On 13 May 1888, slavery ended in Brazil with the Golden Law, signed by Princess Isabel.[5] Immediately, the Brazilian Imperial regime formed the Black Guard (Guarda Negra), secret paramilitary organization composed of freed African slaves and capueristas.Шаблон:Sfn Its members swore an oath of allegiance to Princess Isabel.Шаблон:Sfn The purpose was to ensure Isabel's accession to the throne, in opposition to the rising Republican movement.Шаблон:Sfn

The Guarda Negra capoeiristas did horrible crimes, violently disrupting both private and public gatherings of republicans. The greatest assault occurred on December 30, 1888, during the republicans’ gathering at the French Gymnastic Society. When Silva Jardim began his speech, the room became a battleground, with many dead and wounded.Шаблон:Sfn On July 15, 1889, the newspaper Novidades described one of these assaults:

Файл:Capoeira-carioca-lamparina.jpg
Capoeira carioca using lamparina, a straight razor attack to the victim's neck artery, by Calixto, 1906.

Шаблон:Blockquote

On 15 November 1889, First Brazilian Republic was proclaimed. Following the coup, the Republicans implemented strict measures against the organized crime. The police commissioner Sampaio Ferraz prepared a list of prominent capoeiras and began mass arrests. In merely a week, from December 12 to December 18, 1889, 111 capoeiras were arrested.Шаблон:Sfn In 1890, new Republic decreed the prohibition of capoeira in the whole country.[6]

Шаблон:Blockquote

During the prohibition, any individual caught practicing capoeira would be arrested. Street rodas seemingly vanished, although remnants might have endured in certain shantytowns or working-class neighborhoods.Шаблон:Sfn On January 10, 1890, when the suppression of capoeira was at its height, Pedro Murat Pilar, brother of Luís Murat, general secretary to Rio de Janeiro’s governor, was arrested on charges of capoeira.Шаблон:Sfn

This policy undoubtedly succeeded, and the powerful capoeira gangs were dismantled. But the phenomenon did not vanish altogether.Шаблон:Sfn During the persecution of the capueristas in Rio de Janeiro, many of them fled to São Paulo.[7]

Illegal period

Файл:Capoeira-carioca-cocada.jpg
Caricature of capoeira carioca using cocada (coconut candy), headbutt on the chin while grabbing the opponent, by Calixto, 1906.

In the early 1900s, capoeira started to gain recognition as a national martial art and sport among the elite. While capoeira was still officially outlawed, the first capoeira manuals were published in small, secluded military circles in Rio de Janeiro. These manuals were intended for the exclusive use of the "brothers-in-arms".Шаблон:Sfn In 1907, the handbook Guia do capoeira ou Ginástica Brasileira (Guide to capoeira or Brazilian Gymnastics), published in Rio de Janeiro. The handbook featured chapters with comprehensive explanations covering proper stances, fundamental postures, and strategies for both defense and attack. The introduction states:

Шаблон:Blockquote

In 1909, there was a famous official match when a capoeirista named Francisco da Silva Ciríaco, known as "Macaco," defeated a Japanese jujitsu instructor named Sado Miyako with the rabo de arraia kick.Шаблон:Sfn He was carried out of the stadium on the shoulders after the match and hailed as a national hero in Rio.Шаблон:Sfn

First capoeira schools were founded in Rio and Niterói as early as the 1910s, though they did not last long.Шаблон:Sfn In 1927, Mário Santos, in the introduction to his booklet, made the following appeal:

Шаблон:Blockquote

In the same year, Brazilian writer and politician Coelho Neto published a book stressing the importance of teaching capoeira, considering it superior to other martial arts. He advocated that "capoeira should be taught in all schools and in all army and navy bases", emphasizing the need of removing it from the streets to educational system.Шаблон:Sfn In the 1920s and 1930s, official capoeira schools and institutes were opened.Шаблон:Sfn

In 1928, Anibal Burlamaqui published the first official capoeira manual, Gymnástica Nacional (capoeiragem), methodisada e regrada, where he introduced boxing-like rules for capoeira competition. The manual aimed to transform capoeira from a stigmatized street practice into a legitimate sport.

In the early 1930s, Sinhozinho, a military officer and the fighting instructor of the feared Policia Especial under dictator Vargas, established his capoeira academies in Rio.Шаблон:Sfn The first was in the bustling city center, and the second was established in the affluent Ipanema Beach district in 1936, "for good young men who aspire to courage".Шаблон:Sfn

During the 1930s, capoeira practitioners could be arrested for displaying physical skills. However, the number of arrests, and especially of convictions, were diminishing gradually. Of all accused of capoeira, 76% were freed after trial.Шаблон:Sfn

During the 1930s and 1940s, capoeira underwent a transformative phase in its history, as authorities and intellectuals worked to portray it as a product of Brazil's unique conditions, shaping it into a national sport.

Music

Шаблон:Main

Файл:Rugendasroda (detail).jpg
Playing capoeira to the sound of ngoma drum, c. 1823.

Until the mid-nineteenth century, drums were a prominent musical instrument in capoeira. In the early to mid-nineteenth century Rio, capoeira was initially described by travelers as a war dance with drumbeats or hand clapping.Шаблон:Sfn Later, the music and the musical instruments disappeared.

In 1818, João Angola was arrested for possessing a small drum at a capoeira gathering.Шаблон:Sfn Playing a drum could lead to severe punishment, like on December 5, 1820, when Mathias Benguela, a slave, received 200 lashes for it.Шаблон:Sfn Despite punishment, drumming continued. An illustration from 1824 by Rugendas shows a participant in roda playing a drum.

In 1833, the playing of African drums in Rio de Janeiro was prohibited by law.Шаблон:Sfn Due to the drum's size, it couldn't be concealed, leading to clandestine drumming in remote locations at night. To evade arrest, slaves used makeshift percussion instruments like clay or metal pieces, shells, and stones.Шаблон:Sfn The drumming that accompanied capoeira in the city of Rio de Janeiro had disappeared by midcentury.Шаблон:Sfn

In 1859, French journalist Charles Ribeyrolls described the capoeira game on plantations in Rio de Janeiro province, "accompanied by the powerful, militant rhythm of the Congo drum".Шаблон:Sfn

In the mid-1860s, Marcílio Dias was arrested in Rio because he played capoeira in front of a band of musicians.Шаблон:Sfn

Cloths

In the early nineteenth century, African slaves had limited clothing options, which denoted their social status, and they were prohibited from wearing shoes.Шаблон:Sfn In the first two decades of the 19th century, capoeiras mainly used yellow and red ribbons and hats.Шаблон:Sfn In Kongo religion, the ribbon fluttering in the wind was a media between the two worlds — the physical and the spiritual.Шаблон:Sfn It was also used in social events and funerals, and on altars. In Congo, Africans used to place white ribbons on altars in order to communicate with supernatural powers.Шаблон:Sfn

Antonio Pigafetta reported that at the court of the king of Kongo, "they wore very small yellow and red caps.Шаблон:Sfn

Early nineteenth-century capoeiras typically wore tight pants and seldom a shirt. By the midcentury, a jacket or coat gained popularity. The hat remained an important clothing item, signifying status, according to Mary Karasch.Шаблон:Sfn

Techniques

Шаблон:Main Mello Moraes Filho was amazed with capoeira skills, attributing to them almost superhuman abilities: Шаблон:Blockquote

The journalist Luís Edmundo also described the capoeirista’s astonishing agility: Шаблон:Blockquote

The late 19th century street-fighting capoeiragem was a mixed martial art, combining five main fighting techniques: headbutts, foot kicks, open hand blows, blades, and stick techniques.Шаблон:Sfn There were some punching and wrestling techniques also.Шаблон:Sfn

Kicks

Файл:Capoeira-carioca-meter-o-andante.jpg
Caricature of capoeira carioca, using meter o andante kick.

The capoeira carioca's kicking repertoire was primarily linked to inverted kicks, such as the rabo de arraia and the pentana. The rabo de arraia was executed by flipping the body and pivoting one leg to strike the opponent, whereas the pentana consisted of flipping the body and using both feet to push against the adversary's chest.Шаблон:Sfn

Headbutts

Headbutts were the capoeiras' primary technique, as per police records.Шаблон:Sfn An English visitor to Rio wrote in 1826 on this lethal technique: Шаблон:Blockquote

The significance of the head butt becomes evident in the different names for different headbutts. For instance, the caveira no espelho, meaning "skull in a mirror," referred to a standing head strike aimed at the face, whereas the cocada denoted an upward strike directed under the chin.Шаблон:Sfn

Blade techniques

Primary among the capoeira blade techniques were the lamparina (oil lamp), a special straight razor attack to the victim’s neck artery.

Anti-blade techniques

Capoeiristas employed Angolan-style agility to defend against bladed weapons, allowing unarmed masters to face armed opponents confidently.Шаблон:Sfn The Rio's capoeira antiblade techniques included espada, a circular kick to disarm an opponent holding a knife, and suicidio, which aims to kick an opponent’s legs out, causing him to kills himself with his own blade:

Шаблон:Blockquote

Stick techniques

Файл:Capoeira-carioca-peneiracao.jpg
Caricature of capoeira carioca, using peneiracao strike.

New combat realities emerged when the Portuguese, particularly sailors, brought martial tradition jogo do pau to Brazil. It involved using a long staff, gripping the narrow end for striking, which could deliver deadly blows.Шаблон:Sfn

To confront it, capoeiras employed two tactics. When unarmed, capoeiras relied on their defensive agility to wear down the staff-wielder, enticing them to make a mistake and create an opening to exploit. Capoeiras also started sharpen their short sticks, to counter the threat.Шаблон:Sfn

Interpretations

Unlike many authors who see capoeira in 19th century Rio as a mere criminal activity, Desch-Obi believes it was a matter of honor for African slaves and their descendants. For example, the capoeira became potent political message when performed in the front of Catholic processions or government-backed marching bands.Шаблон:Sfn Capoeira skills also served to protect members of black community "from random acts of violence or kidnapping".Шаблон:Sfn If a slave under the protection of a malta was sold away from the city, the maltas would come together to seek revenge. Also, if it was determined that a particular individual, whether enslaved African, free person of color, or white, had violated their codes, the malta would then choose the avenger.Шаблон:Sfn Acts of vengeance were often executed during public festivities, including major Catholic processions or entrudo, which preceded the Brazilian Carnival.Шаблон:Sfn

Even during slavery, black capoeiras challenged white supremacy, strutting through the streets with confidence. Joaquim Benguela even dared to enter the police headquarters wearing his capoeira hat, showing his disdain for the authorities.Шаблон:Sfn On July 4, 1812, Manuel Pardo enter the police headquarters, verbally insulted and physically assaulted a police officer with a whip, a potent symbol of white authority over enslaved individuals. These actions were defiant gestures against white dominance in society.Шаблон:Sfn According to Desch-Obi, black capoeiras also expressed their pride by openly wielding weapons. They defied the law that restricted knife possession to white Brazilians, using blades as a symbol of resistance and equality.Шаблон:Sfn

Desch-Obi concludes that capoeira societies in Rio stood as enduring symbols of slave empowerment. Unlike most slaves in the Americas who lived in constant fear of violence, capoeiras instilled fear in white society, including the police, due to their potential for violence.Шаблон:Sfn

Literature

See also

References

Шаблон:Reflist

External links

Шаблон:Commons category

Шаблон:Capoeira