Full video record of Afro-Brazilian traditions from Maranhão, Brazil. Documentation includes: chanting, drumming, and trance-possession dancing in the Tambor de Mina tradition in Sao Luis, the capital city of the northern Brazilian state of Maranhão. The rituals of this tradition exhibit some similarities with other more well-known Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomblé and Umbanda. 'Mina' traditions derive their distinctiveness from prominent Dahomean (Vodun) as well as Amerindian and European influences. Featured is extensive footage of the oldest and most traditionally African "houses" in Sao Luis (for example, the Dahomean or 'Gege' Casa das Minas, the Casa de NagÃ'o, and Casa da Turquia), as well as the numerous Tambor de Mina (both 'Mata' and Spiritist influenced) terreiros (ritual centers) in the city. The collection aptly documents the vibrant diversity of form and practice which exists among different terreiros including some in the interior of Sao Luis Island and in the interior Maranhão town of Codó. Documentation also includes footage of popular folk dances and celebrations such as the Bumba-Meu Boi tradition, Carnaval, 'Bloco-Afro' groups, and an imported version of Candomblé.
Collection contains supplementary materials: annotations (recorded narratives).
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.
Provenance:
Recieved from Daniel T. Halperin in 1992.
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research. Please contact the archives for information on availability of access copies of audiovisual recordings. Original audiovisual material in the Human Studies Film Archives may not be played.
