Archaeologists in Salvador, Bahia, uncovered human remains at a site that may be the largest cemetery of enslaved individuals in Latin America, reports Folha de S.Paulo. The remains, including large bones and teeth, were discovered in the parking lot of the Pupileira Complex, owned by the Santa Casa de Misericórdia da Bahia, which currently houses a museum, a college, and an event venue.
The excavation began on May 14, with initial digs measuring 1 by 3 meters, later expanding to 2 by 1 meters, according to Folha de S.Paulo. On May 19, the fifth day of fieldwork, the first traces of human bones were found at a depth of 2.7 meters, indicating that the area of the old cemetery was filled in after its closure in 1844.
Researchers estimate that the cemetery may contain more than 100,000 bodies of enslaved individuals. The Campo da Pólvora Cemetery, as it was known, operated for 150 years from the late 17th century until its closure due to public health concerns in 1844, reports Folha de S.Paulo. It was the burial site for various marginalized groups, including rebels from uprisings such as the Malê Revolt of 1835.
"This cemetery was made invisible by layers of landfill that hid the true history of the city. But it was there, waiting to be found. We are facing a historical reparation," said archaeologist Luiz Antônio Pacheco, according to Terra.
The location of the cemetery was identified by architect and urban planner Silvana Olivieri during her doctoral research at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), reports G1. Olivieri used various maps and plans of Salvador from the 18th century, along with records from the Santa Casa and archaeological studies, to pinpoint the cemetery's location. "Beyond this great archaeological and historical importance, it is a sacred site for the Black population of Bahia, Brazil, and for all those who recognize themselves in the people who are buried there," she said, according to Folha de S.Paulo.
Olivieri believes that martyrs of the Malê Revolt were buried at the cemetery, reports G1. The revolt, which occurred in January 1835, involved about 600 Africans, the majority of whom were of Muslim origin. Some of those involved were killed or executed, and they may be among those interred at the site. "On the day of the Malê Revolt, part of the enslaved people were killed," Olivieri noted.
Due to the sensitivity of the site, researchers opted not to disclose images of the remains or remove them. The archaeological site was protected with special materials to preserve the fragile findings, according to Correio Braziliense. The acidic and humid soil conditions made the material extremely fragile, necessitating careful preservation efforts.
The Public Ministry of Bahia (MPBA) officially requested the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan) to recognize the archaeological site. Promoter of Justice Cristina Seixas announced plans for a public hearing to discuss the preservation of the site as a cultural asset once it is registered with Iphan, according to Terra. "From this confirmation of the suspicions regarding the existence of this cemetery, the Public Ministry will now take measures to preserve this location, which should already be considered an archaeological site," said prosecutor Lívia Vaz, according to Correio Braziliense.
Researchers argue that the area should no longer be used as a parking lot or event venue. "We understand that the affected communities, especially the Black community, must be heard both for the symbolic dimension and about the continuity of an incompatible use, since it is a space used for parties," said Professor Samuel Vida, a lawyer and professor of law at UFBA, according to Folha de S.Paulo. One of the proposals is to create a memorial at the site.
The discovery also led to the formation of the Committee for the Safeguarding of Cemeteries of Enslaved People in Brazil, aimed at coordinating efforts to protect similar sites across the country, reports Folha de S.Paulo. "The objective of the committee is to articulate joint actions and strengthen new research aimed at identifying cemeteries of enslaved people throughout the country," notes the report.
The cemetery is believed to hold the remains of people who lived on the margins of society, including Indigenous people, members of the gypsy community, the poor, indigents, unbaptized, excommunicated individuals, suicides, prostitutes, criminals, and insurgents, according to G1. The Santa Casa de Misericórdia da Bahia, which owns the Pupileira Complex, has operated the Campo Santo Cemetery since 1844, making it one of its main sources of income.
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