This animation explores the possible origins of the children’s game “Escravos de Jó” and its links to the period of slavery. Research suggests that “Jó” may derive from nzo, the Kikongo word for house, referring to enslaved women of the household playing “caxangá”, possibly a game involving cowrie shells.

The song’s references to caxangá and zigzagging movements evoke histories of escape and reflect rhythmic and circular elements of Afro-Brazilian culture.

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