AO SOM DE VERSOS E TAMBORES: o Caxambu de Andorinha e sua religiosidade abrindo espaços, discurso e afirmação de uma identidade local no município de Jerônimo Monteiro-ES

Abstract

This study investigates the Caxambu de Andorinha, a cultural expression created in 2009 in the city of Jerônimo Monteiro, Espírito Santo, with the purpose of preserving Afro-descendant traditions. The Caxambu, a circular dance that originated on sugarcane and coffee plantations in the Brazilian Southeast in the 19th century, is recognized as Jongo do Sudeste. The research approach was conducted from an anthropological perspective, with an emphasis on Anthropology of Religion, a discipline that is part of the Sciences of Religion, highlighting the ritualistic and symbolic character of this cultural expression. The research investigates the problem of recognizing the Caxambu de Andorinha dance as Brazilian cultural heritage, which is still little valued by the majority of the population. In this way, we sought to recover the history of dance, analyze its process of patrimonialization as Brazilian intangible culture, examine its relationship with the Umbanda religion and discuss the ethno-religious prejudice associated with it. In addition, we highlight the importance of dance in the construction of the community's identity. During the study, we emphasized the researcher's experience with the dance group and the production of a book with high school students, aiming to disseminate knowledge about Caxambu de Andorinha. This experience seeks to contribute to the fight against prejudice and discrimination in society. This study is justified by its contribution to the appreciation of this cultural expression, strengthening its role in preserving memory, combating the silencing imposed on marginalized cultures and promoting diversity in Brazil.