Insignias of Power in Congada: the use of sacred objects in the evocation of black memories

ABSTRACT

The study presents reflections on evocation memories processes among the congadeiros in Goiânia/GO, from the agency of the sacred objects - the crowns, flags, and batons of command. The festivities of the João Vaz neighborhood were subject to ethnographic research between the years 2017 and 2020. It was observed that the use of sacred objects can evoke memories linked to ancestry and gone relatives. In certain contexts, objects are endowed with powers and are configured as instruments that enable communication with their deities, whether Catholic saints or entities of the Afro-Brazilian pantheon.

Keywords:
Memory; Congada; Popular Culture; Black Culture; Insignia of Power