O candomblé xoroquê em Alagoas : uma introdução ao estudo dos símbolos nos espaços rituais do terreiro de Pai Manoel

Abstract

This research presents an ethnographic investigation into symbols used in rituals which are in different spaces of the ceremony of Candomblé de Xoroquê located in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. As starting point, the research presents the importance assumed by these symbolic elements in the composition of the two ritual spaces of the house (the location where the ritual works), considering this dynamic is shown essential in legitimizing the |terreiro| as Candomblé spaces to worship, that is distinct from Umbanda´s houses. The analysis on this is centered on the organization of the |terreiro|, according to the logic of organization of the ritual, as there a big shack in which only happen rites of the orishas, and other reserved to the umbandists entities. The methodology included the fieldwork and the ethnographic analysis, believing that these tools are essential to understand the apparent ambiguity shown by the house. Whereas that decompose the variables used at religious structure of the |Terreiro Ogun Xoroquê| becomes effective from the coexistence and participation with the studied group, at the routine presence and interpretation of the faithful towards their daily actions in the spaces of the temple. Therefore, to analyze the role assumed by the symbols in each of the different rites, emerges as a key part in the apprehension of the complementary character of the two spaces, and consequently among the gods of the two religiosities. Based on this, it is possible consider that the Umbandists entities performs a complementary role relative to the big shed of the orishas. Being, therefore, essential in the preservation and maintenance of the home of the African Gods. However, for the Holy Father´s house, Manoel Xoroquê, as well as their children, designate themselves socially as Candomblé is to validate the authenticity of the |Terreiro|, according to their African ancestry. However, the daily practices clarify that the spaces receives the same attention because they are utmost importance in the religious practices of the house of Xoroquê.