Lançados
Encyclopedia
The Lançados were settlers and adventurers of Portuguese
origin in Senegambia, the Cape Verde Islands and other areas of the West Africa
. Many were Jews escaping persecution from the Portuguese Inquisition
, and many had wives from the local African groups. Sometimes the name also applied to their African descendants.
Although never large in numbers, they were crucial intermediaries between the Portuguese State and nationals with the native African tribes, and were the "half-caste traders" that were important in the economies of towns like Bissau
and Cacheu
.
They were the progenitors of the Crioulo
language and culture.
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
origin in Senegambia, the Cape Verde Islands and other areas of the West Africa
West Africa
West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of the African continent. Geopolitically, the UN definition of Western Africa includes the following 16 countries and an area of approximately 5 million square km:-Flags of West Africa:...
. Many were Jews escaping persecution from the Portuguese Inquisition
Portuguese Inquisition
The Portuguese Inquisition was formally established in Portugal in 1536 at the request of the King of Portugal, João III. Manuel I had asked for the installation of the Inquisition in 1515 to fulfill the commitment of marriage with Maria of Aragon, but it was only after his death that the Pope...
, and many had wives from the local African groups. Sometimes the name also applied to their African descendants.
Although never large in numbers, they were crucial intermediaries between the Portuguese State and nationals with the native African tribes, and were the "half-caste traders" that were important in the economies of towns like Bissau
Bissau
Bissau is the capital city of Guinea-Bissau. The city's borders are conterminous with the Bissau Autonomous Sector. In 2007, the city had an estimated population of 407,424 according to the Instituto Nacional de Estatística e Censos...
and Cacheu
Cacheu
Cacheu is a town in north western Guinea-Bissau, lying on the Cacheu River. Population 9,849 .-History and landmarks:The town of Cacheu is situated in territory of the Papel people....
.
They were the progenitors of the Crioulo
Portuguese Creole
Portuguese creoles are creole languages which have been significantly influenced by Portuguese.- Origins :Portuguese overseas exploration in the 15th and 16th century's led to the establishment of a Portuguese Empire with trading posts, forts and colonies in the Americas, Asia and Africa...
language and culture.