Zumbi and Dandara dos Palmares - Icons of Resistance
Zumbi dos Palmares
Zumbi dos Palmares, a towering figure in Brazilian history, embodies the struggle for freedom and dignity. Born free in 1655, Zumbi was captured by the Portuguese at the age of six. Despite their attempts to subjugate him, by fifteen, Zumbi escaped to Quilombo dos Palmares.
Quilombos, communities of escaped slaves, free Black Brazilians, and indigenous peoples, had been established throughout Brazil. Quilombo dos Palmares was one of the largest, with nearly 30,000 residents at its height and its own governing system and economy. Zumbi soon emerged as a leader in the fight against Portuguese colonial forces.
Eventually becoming the last king of Palmares, Zumbi’s vision of liberation for his people was fierce and uncompromising. Under his leadership, the Quilombo defeated the Portuguese six times between 1680 and 1686. On November 6, 1694, the Portuguese sent 10,000 troops to massacre the population and eventually succeeding in ending Zumbi’s iconic 15-year rule.
To this day, Zumbi's legacy of resilience and resistance continues to inspire generations of the African diaspora, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for justice.
Dandara dos Palmares’
Another warrior of the Quilomobos crucial to the resistance against the Portuguese was Dandara dos Palmares,' the wife of Zumbi and no less a leader. Much of her life story has been passed down through oral history in the Quilombo community. She was born in 1654, but it is not known if she was born in Brazil or on the African continent. However, we know she was a child of the Palmares Quilombo, a maroon community in Alagoas State, Brazil.
We also know she was known and recognized for her prowess in Capoeira and weaponry - Dandara participated in many defensive military campaigns.
With the fall of Palmares on November 6, 1694, after a vicious battle, Dandara found herself cornered by the Portuguese. Rather than allow herself to be captured, she chose to throw herself off a cliff, into the abyss and into our hearts and minds.
Dandara dos Palmares is regarded as a heroine in Brazilian history, particularly within the context of the resistance against slavery and colonial oppression. Stories will continue to be passed down regarding her leadership and courage, military skills, and strategic thinking. We honor her as a symbol of resistance by enslaved Africans and their descendants against the brutalities of slavery and colonialism. Her bravery and determination in the face of oppression have made her an enduring icon of Afro-Brazilian history and culture. Dandara is a true heroine in the struggle for freedom and dignity.
The Movie Quilombo depicts both Zumbi and Dandara dos Palmares’