Maculele: Origins and Modern Interpretation

Today’s episode we will not be talking directly about Capoeira, but instead about a related Afro-Brazilian art that has become inextricably tied to Capoiera: Maculele. Most people who’ve been in Capoeira for some significant amount of time, have been at least exposed to Maculele, if not actively practiced it. It is a dance form of simulated combat with sticks, performed to a very specific drum rhythm, often performed with machetes and/or in extravagant costumes.

In today’s discussion, I’ll be discerning between a few different types of Maculele. First is what I’ll call “Modern Maculele” which is what is practiced today amongst Capoeira groups and Afrobrazilian dance and cultural groups. The second I’ll call “Historical Maculele”. This is the raw origins of Modern Maculele that existed in Brasil prior to the early 1900’s, and as far back as at least the 1800’s.

The important sources I pulled from today are various historical books on Capoeira, a summary of a book on the history of Maculele (Olele Maculele), and a few interviews with Mestre Popo, the father of Modern Maculele.

Send me questions and suggestions! mikepinto@comcast.net