Berimbau: History, Techniques and Curiosities of the Capoeira Icon
THE berimbau, the sonorous heart of capoeira, echoes the soul of Brazil, uniting African ancestry, cultural resistance and artistic expression.
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This string instrument, with its hypnotic sound, is not just a musical accompaniment, but a symbol of struggle and identity.
In 2025, capoeira and berimbau remain alive, gaining new spaces in global festivals and urban circles.
This article delves into the history, techniques, and curiosities of this icon, revealing why it remains so relevant.
Have you ever stopped to think how a simple wooden bow can carry centuries of stories?
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The journey of the berimbau reflects Afro-Brazilian cultural resilience. From its roots in African traditions to its consecration in capoeira, it transcends the role of a musical instrument.
Today, masters and apprentices keep this tradition alive, while innovations, such as its use in contemporary musical genres, amplify its presence.
Let's explore how this sonic arc conquered the world, with details that connect past and present, without losing authenticity.
Ancestral Origins of the Berimbau
The story of berimbau begins in Africa, with musical arcs like the Hungarian Angolan. Enslaved people brought this tradition to Brazil, adapting it to the colonial reality.
In the 19th century, the berimbau was already central to capoeira, a practice prohibited due to its association with black resistance.
Its simplicity – a wooden stick, steel rope and gourd – hides a deep cultural richness.
In Brazil, the berimbau took on a life of its own. Unlike its African cousins, it incorporated the gourd as a resonator, amplifying the sound.
Historical records, such as those of Rugendas, show his presence in capoeira circles in Rio de Janeiro.
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This adaptation reflects the creativity of Afro-Brazilians, transforming simple materials into a symbol of struggle.
The repression of capoeira in the 19th century also marked the berimbau. Considered a cultural weapon, it was confiscated by the authorities.
Even so, he persisted, hidden in slave quarters and quilombos. This resistance shaped his identity, making him more than an instrument, but a cry for freedom.
The Artisanal Construction of the Berimbau
Make a berimbau It's an art. The stick, usually made of biriba, must be flexible and resistant. The gourd, harvested ripe, is cut and dried to resonate.
The string, now made of steel, was once made of plant fibers. Each piece requires careful care, as the sound depends on the balance between them.
Master craftsmen, like Mestre Lua from Salvador, maintain traditional techniques. The choice of wood is crucial: too rigid, and the sound becomes high-pitched; too fragile, and it cannot withstand tension.
In 2025, some artisans are experimenting with sustainable materials, such as bamboo, without losing their essence. This innovation reflects the adaptation of berimbau to modern times.
See more: Caxixi: The Little Rattle that Enchant in Berimbau and in Rituals
Assembly requires precision. The gourd is tied to the pole with ropes, and the steel rope is tensioned manually.
The finishing touch is the finish, with paint or varnish, preserving the wood. Each berimbau is unique, bearing the signature of its creator, like a living work of art.
Berimbau Playing Techniques
Touch the berimbau requires dexterity. The drumstick, a thin twig, strikes the string, while the caxixi (straw rattle) adds rhythmic texture.
The stone or dobrão presses on the string, altering the note. The sound varies between deep bass and piercing highs, guiding the capoeira circle.
There are three main touches: Angola, slow and rhythmic; Saint Benedict the Great, fast and vibrant; and Little Saint Benedict, intermediary.
Each person dictates the pace of the game. For example, in a roda in Pelourinho, the rhythm Angola invites fluid movements, like in an ancestral dance.
Master the berimbau It takes years. Masters like Mestre Cobra Mansa teach how to "talk" to the instrument, adjusting the pressure of the stone to create nuances.
In 2025, online courses will democratize this learning, but nothing replaces practice in a circle, where berimbau comes to life.
Technique goes beyond music. The capoeirista must feel the rhythm, synchronizing strikes and ginga.
A mistake in touch can destabilize the circle, like a conductor who loses his baton. Thus, berimbau it is the pulse of capoeira, uniting body and sound.
The Berimbau in Capoeira and Beyond
In capoeira, the berimbau is the leader. He sets the pace, defines the style of play, and connects the capoeiristas.
In a wheel, the berimbau main, called gunga, sets the tone, while the average and viola complement with melodic variations.
Outside of capoeira, the berimbau shines on other stages. Artists like Naná Vasconcelos have brought him to jazz, blending his sound with global rhythms.
In 2025, Brazilian indie bands, such as BaianaSystem, incorporate the berimbau in shows, proving his versatility.
THE berimbau also inspires electronic music. Producers like DJ Dolores sample its sounds, creating beats that resonate at festivals.
This merger shows how the berimbau transcends capoeira, connecting ancient traditions to modern trends.
In education, the berimbau is gaining ground. Schools in Salvador include capoeira workshops, where children learn to play it.
These projects, supported by NGOs such as Crescer e Viver, preserve culture and promote social inclusion.
Curiosities and Symbolism of the Berimbau
THE berimbau carries fascinating stories. Legend has it that its sound imitates birdsong, connecting capoeiristas with nature.
Another interesting fact is its use in Candomblé rituals, where it symbolizes the connection with the orixás.
In 2008, the berimbau was listed as an intangible heritage site of Bahia, according to IPAC. This recognition reinforces its cultural importance.
Today, it is celebrated at events such as the Berimbau de Ouro Festival, which brings together masters in Salvador.
THE berimbau also appears in the cinema. In the film Beetle (2009), it features fight scenes, reinforcing its mystical aura.
In 2025, documentaries like Sound of Resistance explore their history, reaching a global audience.
Symbolically, the berimbau It is like a bridge: it unites past and present, Africa and Brazil, struggle and art.
Its simplicity hides a strength that resonates in every wheel, like a heart that never stops beating.
The Berimbau on the Global Scenario
Globalization has led to berimbau to new horizons. In cities like New York and Berlin, capoeira academies teach the instrument to foreigners.
International festivals, such as Capoeira Sul da Bahia, attract thousands, with the berimbau as the protagonist.
Social media amplifies their presence. On Instagram, profiles like @berimbaudobrasil share tutorials and performances, connecting capoeiristas worldwide.
In 2025, live streams with masters like Mestre Bimba Filho will reach millions, keeping the tradition alive.
The export of berimbau also poses challenges. Bahian artisans face competition from industrial replicas.
Initiatives like the Cachoeira Berimbau Cooperative seek to protect artisanal production, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Despite the changes, the berimbau remains true to its roots.
Its unique sound continues to enchant, whether in a circle in Bahia or at a festival in Tokyo, proving that culture stands the test of time.
Data and Statistics
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Africa, adapted in Brazil in the 17th century |
| Main Material | Biriba wood, gourd, steel rope |
| Main Touches | Angola, Great Saint Benedict, Small Saint Benedict |
| Heritage | Listed as intangible heritage of Bahia (2008) |
| Global Presence | Used in more than 150 countries, according to the Brazilian Capoeira Confederation |
Source: Institute of Artistic and Cultural Heritage of Bahia (IPAC) and Brazilian Capoeira Confederation.
A relevant statistic: around 70% of capoeira circles in Brazil use the berimbau as the main instrument, according to a study by the Federal University of Bahia (2023).
Practical Examples
- Street Circle in Salvador: In a circle at Largo do Pelourinho, Mestre João uses the touch Saint Benedict the Great to speed up the game.
- THE berimbau vibrates, and the capoeiristas respond with quick gingas, showing the connection between sound and movement.
- Workshop at School: At the Municipal School of Itapuã, 10-year-old children learn to play the berimbau in a social project.
- A student, Maria, creates her own caxixi, personalizing it with colorful beads, uniting art and tradition.
Analogy
THE berimbau It is like a river: it originates in distant lands, flows for centuries, shaping the cultural landscape, and flows into new seas, without losing its essence.
Conclusion
THE berimbau It's more than an instrument; it's the voice of resistance, creativity, and cultural connection. From its African roots to the global circles of 2025, it carries stories of struggle and celebration.
Whether in capoeira, jazz or electronic beats, his unique sound continues to enchant.
Preserve the berimbau is to keep the soul of Brazil alive. How about listening to its music and connecting with this story?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the origin of the berimbau?
It comes from African musical bows, such as the Hungarian, adapted in Brazil by slaves in the 17th century.
2. Can I learn to play the berimbau without knowing capoeira?
Yes! Online workshops and tutorials teach the basic techniques, but practicing in circles deepens the learning.
3. Is the berimbau only used in capoeira?
No, it appears in genres such as jazz, electronic music and even Candomblé rituals.
4. How to buy a quality berimbau?
Choose local artisans, such as those from Salvador, and check the quality of the wood and the gourd.
5. Is the berimbau expensive?
Prices range from R$ 100 to R$ 500, depending on the material and artisanal origin.
