The Public Prosecution Service of Bahia (MPBA) requested the preservation of the place that believes it is the largest enslaved cemetery in Latin America. The place is in Salvador, where oSSADAS were located during excavations in the pupileira parking lot, area belonging to the Holy House of Mercy of Bahia.
O MP Opfia a Santa Casa de Misericórdia da Bahia so that the excavation area is no longer used. The discovery was announced at a press conference at MPBA headquarters, with the presence of prosecutors, researchers and representatives of Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN).
The excavations, made in two areas of 1 by 3 meters and 2 by 1 meters, revealed bone 2.7 meters deep, including wide bones and teeth. Due to the fragility of the material, the bone They were not removed and the place was covered for preservation.
Possible Historical Framework
The location, identified as part of the old Campo da Polvora Cemetery, can house more than 100,000 bodies of enslavedbesides marginalized people of the time, such as indigentes, unlocked and criminals. The cemetery would have worked between the late 17th and mid -nineteenth century.
Bone fragments will be sent to the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB) for analysis. The process of recognition of the place as an archaeological site, called “African Cemetery Archaeological Site”has already been sent to IPHAN.
O MPBA It acts for the preservation of the site, considered a potential archaeological site. A public hearing will be held by IPHAN To discuss the next steps to preserve the site as material and immaterial cultural heritage.
The discovery is considered a historical reparation, bringing to light a dark chapter of the history of Brazil. THE Campo da Polvora Cemeteryinvisible by landfill layers, represents an important trace of the country’s slave past.
