"The Slaves of Mr. Manoel Maurício Invited, without their Master's Permission, Several Companions, Totaling Sixteen, to a 'Samba'"

(Re)Existences, Sambas, and Recreations in the Lives of the Enslaved during the 19th Century (1800 – 1899)

Abstract

How did samba in the 19th century serve as a practice of (re)existence and sociability among enslaved people, despite repression? The main objective of this study is to discuss the processes of (re)existence in sambas during the 19th century, based on an analysis of national press sources. The methodology involved cataloging 1,179 sources from periodicals available in the National Library’s digital archive, using critical reading of these sources to identify references to samba and its implications in the lives of enslaved people. The results indicate that samba was a constant practice among enslaved people, even under strong repression, and it also functioned as a space for sociability and affection. The scientific and social implications of the research highlight the importance of bringing the memory of the enslaved into the field of leisure studies, contributing to discussions on historical reparation within this context.