This paper discusses the biographies of two nineteenth-century African whalers who lived on the island of Itaparica. Based on unpublished sources, the paper narrates the arrival of these two individuals to the largest island of the Brazilian Todos os Santos Bay, the period of captivity, the conquest of freedom and their lives as freemen. As whaling entrepreneurs, these two Nago Africans became prominent figures in Itaparica, being responsible for the release of other captives and for improving the living conditions of those who lived within their circle of friendship and business.
whaling; Africanness; freedom; religiosity