I would like to detail one aspect of Brazilian slave life which may appear less important, but left a lasting impression on the society of Brazil. The use of song carried over a cultural influence from Africa.
In a passage from "Slaves, Subjects, and Subversives," John Luccock recalls his observations of slaves transporting heavy loads in the streets, "...To give rhythm to their work and coordinate their steps, the leader will sing a short, simple African song, at the end of which the group will respond in a loud chorus. The song will go on so long as the work lasts and with this they make their burden less and cheer up their spirits. I have at times the impression that these people are not insensitive to the pleasures of their memories of the homes they have lost and will never see again. What is certain is that these songs give to the streets a joy that in other ways they are missing"(Landers & Robinson, p.258).
Clearly singing verses not only brought together slaves as a means of encouragement during their workdays, but also as a reminder of the happiness they once knew from Africa. Additionally, it allowed slaves to maintain their native language, which was many times abandoned for Portuguese. Music as a form of therapy is an effective tool in managing stress and lifting spirits, both of which the Brazilian slaves desperately needed.
As the observer, Luccock goes on to describe the abundance of slaves in Brazil, as there were multitudes of African laborers in Rio de Janeiro. He recalls that slaves working along the roads were gawked at, especially by visitors for their foreign behavior.
I would argue that in a way, slaves were a source of entertainment and mystery, from their appearance to their language to their cultural practices. It never occurred to me to look at the slaves from a perspective other than as a means of capital for the Europeans. These owners in Brazil had a large learning curve to understand their slaves.
Historical map of Brazil
"New Chart of Brazil of Portuguese America, year 1821"
