Doze Homens

Doze Homens ("Twelve Men") was a capoeirista who lived a double life in early 20th century Bahia - both as a companion of the legendary Besouro Mangangá in Santo Amaro and as a teacher who trained some of the first documented female capoeiristas in Salvador.

At Trapiche de Baixo, the poorest neighborhood of Santo Amaro da Purificação, Doze Homens was among the circle of capoeiristas who trained with Besouro. According to Professor Leiteiro, he was one of Besouro's companions alongside Paulo Barroquinha, Boca de Siri, Noca de Jacó, and Canário Pardo - practitioners who participated in "the memorable capoeira rodas that hypnotized anybody who would go by".

A 1944 journal entry by José Brigido Dorneles Antunes records: "Besouro was the biggest attraction of my childhood. His simulated fights with Doze Homens, Ioiô, Nicori and other Capoeirista friends, the sound of the berimbau and of the pandeiro, comprised of amazing shows that depicted strength, flexibility and finesse".

In Salvador, between the 1920s and 1930s, Doze Homens taught two women named Salomé and Maria dos Anjos, who were known for their passion for batuque and samba. According to testimony from Mestre Atenilo, he personally knew both women and described them as individuals of strong character. Their names persist in contemporary capoeira songs performed during rodas.

Tragically, Doze Homens was among the capoeiristas killed during the brutal persecution conducted by Police Chief Pedro de Azevedo Gordilho - the infamous "Pedrito" - who assumed command in 1920. Mestre Onça Preta recalled the fallen: "Besourinho, Doze Homens, Mãozinha, Antônio Galindéu, Geraldo Chapeleiro, Finado Manteiga, Nagé, Paulo César de Moura, Gasolinha, Juvelino, and many others". The killings were not in open combat but through assassination after capture - bodies would appear days later thrown into the forest, backs opened by knife cuts.

Doze Homens' legacy extends beyond his own skill. Through Maria dos Anjos, the nickname "Maria Doze Homens" entered capoeira legend - though whether this referred to her training under Mestre Doze Homens, or to feats of defeating twelve men, remains disputed in oral tradition.