Between Tales, Myths And Mysteries: Beliefs and Superstitions of A Quilombola Community From The Countryside of Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Background: Tales, myths, beliefs and superstitions are part of the daily life of traditional communities, which strongly believe in the interference of both natural forces and activities, as well as supernatural ones in their social manifestations. Whether in the imaginary facts or real situations experienced by residents, this set of relationships and symbolisms underlie the cosmology of that social group, through which it is possible to identify traces of the cultural and identity constitution of a people. In quilombola communities, the recurrence of these cultural elements is a common practice. In this perspective, the objective was to recognize the tales, myths, beliefs and superstitions of the Quilombola Custaneira/Tronco community in the state of Piauí, as instruments for reaffirmation and strengthening of traditional knowledge and local culture. Method: The methodological path was based on the ethnographic approach and the life history through semi-structured interviews with 23 residents, being older or living longer in the locality. Results: By entering the cosmological universe of the Custaneira/Tronco community and accessing the accounts involving their tales, myths, beliefs and superstitions, we can identify, as in other quilombola communities, the presence of three worlds: the dead, the living and the enchanted.Conclusions: The conclusive aspects point out that the tales, myths, beliefs and superstitions, like the “Father of the Forest”, the visions and the “Mother of Water”, greatly influence the social and cultural practices of the community, especially in hunting rituals, in the relationship with animals and with local natural resources. The cosmological arrangement performs functions that organize its social structure and maintain the connection with its ancestors and its traditionality.