A Journey From Brazil Back to the Motherland
After decades of enslavement, thousands of former enslaved Africans returned home
Brazil House (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
Finding their way back home
Brazil House is a site of memory for an estimated number of 3,000 to 8,000 formerly enslaved Africans who sailed back to West Africa on ships from Bahia Salvador, Brazil between 1829 and 1836. The house was built in colonial style in the heart of Jamestown in the 1930s.
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Retaining identity through names
Brazil House is located on Brazil Lane, a street named in honor of the returnees. Evidence of the Afro-Brazilian community's presence in Ghana is demonstrated by Portuguese names such as Silva, Gomez, Souza and Cardoso, which have been retained in their communities.
Brazil House (2020) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
A warm welcome for the returnees
Brazil House is the most prominent of the houses built in Accra by returnees who became known as the Tabon people. Land was granted to them by the Ga Otublohum King, Nii Ankrah and King Nii Tackie Tawiah I; the latter also granted them lands in Accra for agricultural purposes.
Mama Nassau Plaque (2007-11-15) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
Remembering the Afro-Brazilian returnees
Two plaques in front of the house, were unveiled on 15th November 2007, by the Minister of External Relations of Brazil and the Ghanaian Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations in commemoration of the freed enslaved Africans who returned from Brazil.
Mama Nassau Plaque (2007-11-15) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
The leader of the Tabon people
The plaques honor Mama / Mahama Nassau, the leader of the Tabon people and his descendants. He was one of the family heads of the Afro-Brazilian settlers and Brazil House stands on the same land on which they lived.
The Rearview of Brazil House (2021) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
"Are you good?"
The name 'Tabon' derives from the Portuguese greeting and response which translates as “Are you good? I am good.” The rear of the house is in the same colonial style and is used for cultural events including the popular 'Chalewote' festival held annually in Jamestown.
An Artist's Mural (2021) by HACSA FoundationHeritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation
Connecting with their roots
This mural is an artist's interpretation of the history of the 'Tabon' people. Brazil House was visited by the New York City Mayor, Eric Adams and First Partner, Tracey Collins in December 2021 when they connected with their African roots through the HACSA Sankofa Heritage Experience.
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