Cultural and Legal Transferences: Arab Influences on Alforria in Brazilian Slave Society

This study explores the profound influences of Arab traditions from the Iberian Peninsula on Brazilian manumission practices and laws. The central research question investigates whether these Arab influences significantly shaped the cultural and legal frameworks governing manumission in Brazil. Employing a qualitative methodology, this research meticulously examines historical documents, legal texts, and scholarly literature to trace the origins and evolution of manumission laws. A thorough analysis of Iberian history is conducted to identify any and all possible influences on Brazilian manumission law. The study focuses on key legislative codices, including the Ordenações Filipinas, which are critically assessed for their Arab legal influences as evidenced in sources like the Siete Partidas. By tracing the historical evolution of manumission laws, the study contextualizes the cultural and legal osmosis between Iberian and Brazilian societies. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding slavery and manumission, offering new perspectives on the cross-cultural legal heritage that has shaped modern Brazilian society. The findings have significant implications for the broader historical narrative of slavery and its enduring impact on contemporary legal and social structures in Latin America. Furthermore, this study prompts further research into the deeper issues of slavery and freedom across different cultures, particularly in the Americas.