Since colonial times, we have observed that various religious manifestations of African origin were consolidated in Brazilian lands. Batucajé, calundu and batuque are just some of the names that designated the manifestations religious events brought by blacks and held in several slave quarters spread across the large farms of the territory. In a very different way, African religiosity manifested itself in songs, dances, percussive instruments, cures, magic and riddles.
According to the indications of some researchers, the development of Candomblé terreiros began to manifest itself from the 18th century onwards. At that time, the growth of urban centers became a favorable environment for many blacks to gather and organize more stable and regular religious experiences. It was in this context that Candomblé took its first steps towards the consolidation of an identifiable religious experience.
Candomblé's relationship with the city can be explained through the situation of the slaves who lived there. In urban centers there were manumitted blacks, slaves of income and domestics who circulated more frequently and, in this way, narrowed their ties more easily. On the other hand, the stricter working conditions and the difficulty in getting around determined greater obstacles for something similar to happen in rural areas.
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In the 19th century, it was possible to point out the existence of some old houses and collective mansions in which free blacks organized meeting points for the realization of their cults. Despite the existence of repression imposed by official authorities, Candomblé was taking its first formative steps. In 1889, the proclamation of the Republic, preceded by the Abolition of Slavery, also contributed to the expansion of Afro-Brazilian beliefs.
In this unprecedented situation, the Candomblé terreiros were created and gave shape to the rituals and beliefs that would define them. More than that, they also functioned as a means of fraternization and socialization for several blacks who left the rural area looking for other job opportunities. With this, the terreiros also served as a place of leisure, solidarity and maintenance of a collective memory that was essential in the emergence of this rich religious practice.
By Rainer Sousa
Graduated in History
Brazil School Team
Religion - Brazil School
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SOUSA, Rainer Gonçalves. "The origin of the Candomblé terreiros"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/religiao/a-origem-dos-terreiros-candomble.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
