A senzala was a type of dwelling used in Brazil during the colonial period, primarily for enslaved Africans. These structures were typically simple and made from local materials, often consisting of thatched roofs and mud walls. Senzalas were usually located near sugar plantations, where enslaved people worked under harsh conditions. The term is closely associated with the history of slavery in Brazil, particularly in relation to the sugarcane industry. Enslaved individuals lived in these quarters, which were often overcrowded and lacked basic amenities. The legacy of the senzala reflects the broader social and economic impacts of slavery in Brazilian society.