This paper discusses the role of social memory in constructing and maintaining cultural activities. The research focused on the dance of cocos from Creole Caiana, a remnant community of quilombos, located in the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. Using theoretical concepts from Anthropology, Sociology and Ethnomusicology, this article argues that social memory constitutes a vigorous field for the negotiation, transformation and maintenance of socio-cultural values.
Social memory; the dance of cocos ; Creole Caiana ; remnant community of quilombos ; Brazilian traditional music
