MULHERES DO AXÉ: ATUAÇÃO DA MÃE DE SANTO MATILDE DE OYÁ NO CANDOMBLÉ KETU EM VITÓRIA - ES

Abstract

This dissertation of the Professional Master in Religious Studies treats about the women of Axé, especially the performance of the Mãe (Iarolixá) Matilde de Oyá at Candomblé Ketu in Vitória - ES. Talking about the theme of Afro-Brazilian religions, from the leading role of women, is challenging because it is a broad subject and of great importance to understand Brazilian culture. Candomblé stands out as a religion of remarkable cultural heritage, originating from black men and black woman enslaved in Brazilian soil, keeping alive its African roots through religious practice, focusing on resistance to the preservation of their traditions and beliefs with protagonism to the women. Thus, this research aimed to analyze and present the participation of women as religious leaders, thus seeking to contribute to a field of study little explored academically in relation to the reality of the state of Espirito Santo, especially in Vitória city, Espírito Santo. For the development of the work that is exploratory in nature, we chose to use a bibliographic research and also a qualitative field research of descriptive ethnographic nature. The field research was carried out in the terreiro of the Mãe Matilde de Oyá, which leads a Candomblé religious space of the Ketu nation in Vitória - ES. From the data collected through the interview given by the Mãe Matilde de Oyá it was possible to map the practices, beliefs, contradictions, challenges and conflicts that permeate her experience and performance in relation to the leadership role she plays within religion. Through ethnographic observations and dialogues established with the Mãe Matilde de Oyá, it was possible to realize the important role of women's leadership in the Candomblé sphere, thus realizing its importance not only as a leader but also as an agent in the deconstruction of the patriarchal order, misogynist, racist in Brazilian society. This reflection is placed together with other works that seek to overcome racism and religious intolerance in Brazil and worldwide, pointing to the important leadership role of women.