Duquinha

Duquinha was a capoeirista active in Salvador, Bahia, during the 1920s and 1930s. He is featured in "Mestres e capoeiras famosos da Bahia" together with Escalvino (Luís Escalvino), sharing the ominous subtitle "Os irmãos terror" (The terror brothers). This pairing suggests they were either biological brothers or such close associates that they operated as a fearsome duo in Salvador's streets.

The name "Duquinha" is a diminutive form, likely derived from "Duque" (Duke), which may have been an ironic or aspirational nickname common among the marginalized populations of early 20th century Salvador. Such nicknames often carried a mix of humor and menace.

Duquinha was among the capoeiristas who worked as capangas (political henchmen) for Bahian politicians during the First Republic. These enforcers provided muscle during electoral disputes and served the interests of powerful political figures. Sources list him alongside other political capangas including Inocêncio Sete Mortes, Estevinho, Samuel da Calçada, Sebastião de Souza, and Pedro Mineiro.

The "terror brothers" designation indicates that Duquinha and Escalvino together were particularly feared in Salvador's underworld. Whether this reputation came from political enforcement, street fighting, or a combination of both, their joint notoriety was significant enough to earn them a shared chapter in the historical record.

Duquinha was defended in court by Major Cosme de Farias, the legendary "rábula" (self-taught lawyer) who defended over 30,000 people including capoeiristas, thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and the poor.