The article explores gender relations as conceptualized by AfroBrazilian religious cults, especially candomblé. It analy?es these conceptions in their articulations with rites of possession and looks at the differences between such rites as practiced by different types ot" Afro-Brazilian reíigions. The objective is to arrive at an understanding of how gender roles within Úvzfam (lia - de - san to develop in candomblé's relation to sexuality and to the space it is assigned within daily practice at terreiros.