Práticas culturais femininas e constituição de espaços num terreiro de Xangô de Nação Xambá

Abstract

Beginning in the 1930's, the urban periphery of Recife (Pernambuco) became a space of power for Afro-Brazilian religious communities, as they actively occupied these areas, carrying out collective activities. Historical work on this subject has portrayed women as major actors in this process, usually focusing on the high priestesses of these cult houses. This paper, however, examines the role of other characters, such as the "madrinhas" (godmothers) and "iabás" (senior priestesses), demonstrating the existence of other important power configurations in these communities. The article analyzes the daily life of Mãe Biu, religious and socio-political leader of the Santa Bárbara temple (of the Xambá "nation"), and her close associates: Madrinha Tila, Laura and Luíza (the latter two being referred to as "aunts"), showing that the interactions of these women serve to unite and strengthen the religious community and to create and re-create urban space in the Portão do Gelo neighborhood, located in the Beberibe district of the metropolitan area of Recife.