Origins of the Berimbau

The berimbau’s history begins in Africa, where similar stringed instruments, such as the musical bow, were used in various cultural rituals, storytelling, and entertainment. These instruments, made from natural materials, were widespread across the African continent and came in many forms. The berimbau’s design—a wooden bow with a resonating gourd—has roots in the musical bows of West and Central Africa.

African Musical Bows

Instruments like the berimbau were crafted from a flexible wooden stick, often strung with plant fiber or animal gut, and resonated using natural objects like gourds or calabashes. These early bows were used for both music and communication, often conveying messages over long distances or accompanying oral traditions.

The berimbau’s predecessor likely came from Angola or other regions in West Africa, brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade in the 16th century. This migration of people and culture laid the foundation for capoeira and the berimbau’s role within it.

The Berimbau in Colonial Brazil

Slavery and Cultural Resilience

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Brazil was one of the largest recipients of enslaved Africans, primarily brought to work on sugar plantations. These individuals carried their cultural practices, including music, dance, and spiritual beliefs, which they adapted to their new environment. The berimbau became a vital tool for preserving African identity under oppressive conditions.

Emergence of Capoeira

Capoeira developed as a form of resistance among enslaved Africans in Brazil. Initially a means of self-defense disguised as dance, capoeira combined martial arts, acrobatics, and music. The berimbau became the central instrument in capoeira rodas (circles), where practitioners performed and trained.

The berimbau’s rhythmic patterns dictated the flow of the capoeira game, setting its pace and energy. This interplay of music and movement transformed the berimbau into more than just an instrument—it became a guiding force, symbolizing freedom and resistance.