6. A cor dos faraós | podcast do projeto Querino | por Tiago Rogero

Name: 6. A cor dos faraós | podcast do projeto Querino | por Tiago Rogero
Uploaded: 2022-08-06T03:24:38.000Z
Duration: 1 h 58 min 11 s

History of Resistance: The Revolt at Engenho de Santana

Background of the Revolt

In 1789, over 30 years before Brazil's independence, enslaved individuals at a sugar mill in southern Bahia killed the Sugar Master, who oversaw the processing of sugar from molasses to refined sugar.

After killing the Sugar Master, the enslaved workers approached the owner of the mill with a written document. Literacy was rare among enslaved people due to prohibitions against reading and writing.

Demands for Better Conditions

The workers expressed their desire for peace rather than conflict, stating they wanted better working conditions and requested freedom on Fridays and Saturdays to cultivate their own crops.

They demanded an election for new overseers instead of accepting current foremen (feitores), emphasizing their need for autonomy in decision-making.

The document concluded with a request for freedom to play and sing without restrictions or needing permission, highlighting cultural significance beyond mere leisure activities.

Significance of the Document

This event took place at Engenho de Santana in Ilhéus, where this document became known as the "Treaty of Engenho de Santana," considered one of the first labor treaties between employer and employee among enslaved people.

Following these events, authorities sent over 80 armed men to suppress the revolt. Despite this, enslaved workers maintained control for three years until authorities regained power in 1824.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The remnants of those revolts led to communities forming Quilombos nearby. These communities played a crucial role in preserving African culture and resistance against oppression.

Intolerance Against Afro-Brazilian Religions

Personal Experiences with Intolerance

Gilmar Rodrigues Santos shares his experiences as a member of Candomblé at Terreiro Matamba Tombenci Neto in Ilhéus. He discusses how his community is often sought out during instances of religious intolerance.

He recounts incidents involving family members facing discrimination due to their beliefs, particularly during funerals where tensions arose between different religious groups present.

Rising Incidents of Religious Intolerance

Recent events highlight increasing intolerance towards Afro-Brazilian religions; Gilmar describes an incident where evangelical attendees attempted to disrupt a funeral service linked to Candomblé practices.

Such conflicts are becoming more frequent across Brazil, exemplified by cases like that involving an evangelical pastor who faced legal action after destroying sacred images associated with African religions.

Broader Context on Religious Freedom

Reports indicate that attacks on Afro-Brazilian religions have escalated recently. A mother-of-saint reported aggression from evangelicals during her worship activities in Vitória da Conquista.

History of Religious Intolerance in Brazil

The Role of the Catholic Church in Brazilian History

The discussion begins with a focus on neopentecostal movements and their historical context, emphasizing the complexity of religious dynamics in Brazil.

The Catholic Church was a key player during colonization, slavery, and indigenous oppression, often prioritizing conversion over freedom for enslaved individuals and indigenous peoples.

Throughout history, the Catholic Church has persecuted non-Catholic religious expressions, developing ideological justifications for slavery that persist today, contributing to both religious intolerance and racism.

Historical Context of Slavery

The first recorded slave trade voyage occurred around 1440 when a Portuguese individual captured Africans to sell in Portugal; this marked the beginning of systemic slavery.

Slavery existed long before this event; it was not solely based on race but could result from various circumstances such as war or debt.

The concept of racialized slavery emerged later as part of Portugal's imperial expansion, transforming enslaved individuals into commodities.

Ideological Justifications for Slavery

The Catholic Church provided moral support for the enslavement of Africans through papal bulls that framed slavery as a means to save souls by converting them to Christianity.

A significant papal document known as "the Royal Charter" legitimized African enslavement under the guise of spiritual salvation.

Understanding Pre-Colonial Africa

Discussion shifts to pre-colonial Africa's diversity and cultural richness before European contact and how colonialism redefined African identity.

Africa is portrayed not merely as a continent but as home to numerous distinct cultures with complex histories predating European intervention.

Spirituality in African Societies

There is an exploration into how spirituality is intertwined with daily life in many African societies, contrasting Western notions that separate sacred from profane.

Ancestor worship is prevalent among many African cultures; it emphasizes historical belonging and kinship ties within communities.

Understanding Death and Cultural Identity

The Concept of Death in African Cultures

The term "Kalunga," of Bantu origin, commonly signifies death but also encompasses broader meanings. It reflects the understanding that for many enslaved Africans, crossing the ocean was perceived as a form of death.

In various African societies, death is not viewed negatively; rather, it represents a transition between existence and the afterlife. The living world relies on the deceased, indicating a cyclical relationship between life and death.

The journey across the Atlantic on slave ships symbolizes more than just physical death; it represents a severance from one's lineage and cultural identity. This disconnection leads to individualization from collective heritage.

The Role of Religion in Slavery

The church's involvement in the slave trade is highlighted by its economic dependency on slavery for sustaining operations in places like Angola during the 16th century.

Criticism arose within the church regarding its participation in slavery. Justifications were made that enslaving Africans was necessary for their salvation, reflecting an ideological framework supporting slavery.

A theological rationale emerged suggesting that Africans were cursed and destined for servitude. This belief system reinforced social hierarchies where some were deemed natural masters while others were seen as slaves.

Religious Practices Among Enslaved People

Catholicism was not only dominant but exclusive; other religious expressions were labeled heretical. Despite this oppression, enslaved individuals maintained their spiritual practices covertly.

Brazil's constitution post-independence still favored Catholicism while allowing other religions under strict conditions—emphasizing control over public displays of African spirituality.

African-derived religions such as Candomblé and Umbanda emerged in Brazil during the late 19th century, blending elements from various African cultures into unique Afro-Brazilian identities.

Resistance Through Cultural Expression

Enslaved people often engaged in cultural practices disguised as leisure activities to preserve their religious traditions—a form of resistance against oppressive systems.

As more Black individuals gained freedom, they established more religious spaces (terreiros), fostering community resilience through shared faith practices despite systemic challenges.

Historical Case Study: Maria José's Petition

An example from 1849 illustrates how freed Black individuals sought recognition for their cultural rights. Maria José petitioned authorities to maintain her right to celebrate her heritage openly amidst restrictive laws.

Community Resistance and Historical Legacy

The Role of Community Leadership

The discussion highlights how community leadership, particularly by women, can intimidate dominant societal structures, as seen with the police's apprehension regarding a woman's influence in a predominantly white society.

A significant moment occurs when the woman's license is renewed under the condition that her community celebrations occur outside city limits, reflecting systemic attempts to control cultural expressions.

Symbolism of Identity

The speaker emphasizes the importance of identity through the figure of "Rainha Ginga," suggesting that this title was intentionally chosen to assert authority and heritage in interactions with law enforcement.

Rainha Ginga refers to Nzinga Mbande, an influential queen who resisted Portuguese colonization. Her legacy serves as a powerful symbol for those forcibly brought to Brazil from Africa.

Ancestral Connections and Cultural Memory

By identifying as Rainha Ginga, Maria José connects herself not only to African ancestry but also to broader black cultural territories within Brazil, emphasizing ongoing dialogues between past and present.

Current manifestations in black communities still honor figures like Rainha Ginga and King Kombi, showcasing their significance within religious brotherhoods that blend African traditions with Catholicism.

Formation of Black Brotherhoods

Historian Petrônio Domingues discusses how black brotherhoods emerged as forms of resistance during colonial times, allowing enslaved populations to carve out spaces for worship and community support despite oppressive conditions.

These brotherhoods were crucial for fostering unity among enslaved individuals while providing avenues for spiritual expression and collective action towards freedom.

Impact on Religious Practices

Black brotherhoods facilitated not just religious practices but also social cohesion among African descendants who faced exclusion from mainstream churches due to racial discrimination.

The blending of African beliefs with Catholicism led to a unique form of popular religion characterized by syncretism, where followers maintained ties to both faith systems despite societal pressures against them.

Legal Challenges and Social Struggles

Following abolition and the establishment of the Republic in Brazil, black brotherhoods continued facing persecution alongside their religious practices being criminalized under new legal frameworks aimed at controlling non-Christian religions.

The transition into a secular state did not eliminate discrimination; rather it institutionalized it through laws targeting spiritual practices associated with African heritage.

Ongoing Persecution

Despite claims of secularism post-Republican reforms in 1889, there remained systematic oppression against Afro-Brazilian religions which were often labeled as threats to public health or morality by authorities.

The Historical Context of Afro-Brazilian Religions and Neopentecostalism

The Role of Law Enforcement and Religious Artifacts

The Civil Police of Rio had a dedicated department for handling cases related to religious artifacts, which were often seized. For decades, these sacred items were displayed in a museum named "Museum of Black Magic."

A campaign called "Liberate Our Sacred" successfully transferred these artifacts to the Museum of the Republic in 2022, marking a shift in state policy towards Afro-Brazilian religions.

Current Challenges Faced by Afro-Brazilian Religions

In São Paulo, there are alarming reports where a mother lost custody of her 12-year-old daughter due to unproven allegations linked to Candomblé initiation rituals.

Systematic oppression against Afro-Brazilian cults has escalated, with drug traffickers invading and vandalizing Umbanda and Candomblé spaces.

Societal Implications and Religious Dynamics

There is an inscription on walls stating "Jesus owns this place," reflecting the tension between different religious groups. This situation forces individuals to create their own sacred spaces amidst violence.

Recent attacks on African matrix religions have been notably perpetrated by evangelical groups, raising concerns about racial dynamics within these communities.

Demographics and Religious Identity

A significant portion (59%) of evangelicals in Brazil identify as black or mixed-race according to a 2020 Datafolha survey, surpassing the general population percentage (54%-56%).

Pastor Marcos Davi de Oliveira emphasizes that while many blacks are affiliated with evangelical churches, they often remain nominal Catholics without active participation.

Historical Development of Evangelical Churches in Brazil

The emergence of evangelical churches in Brazil dates back to the 19th century with various immigrant Protestant movements from America and Europe.

Notably, some immigrants from the Southern United States sought refuge in Brazil post-Civil War due to their desire to maintain slavery; they contributed to establishing historical evangelical churches.

Pentecostal Movement Origins

The Pentecostal movement originated from diverse nationalities gathering for harvest celebrations during biblical times. It was marked by the arrival of the Holy Spirit as described in Christian texts.

Evidence of this movement includes speaking in tongues—a phenomenon that became central to Pentecostal worship practices.

William Seymour's Influence on Pentecostalism

William Seymour's story highlights racial barriers within early church education; he was forced to study outside due to his race but later became pivotal in spreading Pentecostal beliefs.

His experiences led him to establish interracial worship at Azusa Street, which became foundational for modern Pentecostalism characterized by vibrant expressions including music and physical manifestations during services.

Socioeconomic Context Leading to Neopentecostal Growth

The Role of Churches in Addressing Socioeconomic Challenges

Impact of Neopentecostal Churches

Single mothers often rely on churches for support, filling gaps left by the state. These churches provide essential help to many individuals facing hardships.

Neopentecostal teachings promote a theology of prosperity, empowering individuals to believe they do not have to remain impoverished throughout their lives.

Agency and Choice in Religious Affiliation

It is crucial to recognize that Black individuals are not merely victims of circumstance; they actively choose their religious affiliations based on perceived benefits for themselves and their families.

The success of Pentecostal and Neopentecostal churches among Brazilian Blacks may be linked to African cultural practices, particularly the emphasis on bodily experiences during worship.

Spiritual Practices and Cultural Connections

The incorporation of the Holy Spirit in worship parallels practices found in African religions, highlighting a shared spiritual experience through trance states.

Personal anecdotes reveal how traditional cultural expressions (like playing the pandeiro) were discouraged within certain church communities due to negative perceptions about their origins.

Misinterpretations and Historical Context

Two prevalent myths perpetuated by some pastors include the "Curse of Ham," which inaccurately associates Blackness with divine punishment, rooted in misinterpretations of biblical texts.

The story from Genesis regarding Noah's sons has been manipulated over time to justify racial discrimination against Africans, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

Artistic Representations and Racial Narratives

A notable painting titled "The Redemption of Ham" reflects societal attitudes towards race post-slavery in Brazil, depicting a narrative that suggests gratitude for lighter-skinned descendants as a form of redemption.

Challenging Racist Interpretations

During discussions at a seminary, misconceptions about biblical narratives related to race were challenged, emphasizing that interpretations linking skin color with divine punishment are unfounded.

Historical attempts by the Catholic Church aimed at justifying slavery have led to enduring racist ideologies within various religious contexts today.

Discussion on Racism and Religion in Brazil

The Role of Faith in Addressing Racism

The speaker emphasizes the importance of continuing to speak against racism within the church, highlighting that it is a sin that undermines the idea of individuals being created in God's image.

It is noted that not all evangelicals are racist; many actively combat racism. However, there exists a significant amount of prejudice against evangelicals themselves, often rooted in stereotypes associated with African heritage.

The discussion points out how certain religious practices, particularly those linked to African traditions, are ridiculed as primitive, showcasing a clear bias against predominantly Black religions.

Intersections of Religion and Social Justice

The speaker argues that attacks on African-based religions threaten democracy and freedom. They express frustration over societal indifference towards these issues.

A recent incident involving an ultra-conservative group preventing a mass for Black Consciousness Day due to traditional elements like atabaque (drum) is highlighted. This reflects historical injustices where the church profited from slavery.

Contributions of Religious Movements

Despite challenges, some advancements for Black communities have emerged from within the Catholic Church through community educational initiatives aimed at increasing access to higher education.

Mentioned is Pastor Henrique Vieira, an example of progressive evangelical leadership who advocates against racism and has contributed significantly to social justice discussions.

Historical Context: The Divino Mestre

The first Protestant church in Brazil was founded by Agostinho José Pereira, known as Divino Mestre, who played a crucial role in advocating for literacy among enslaved people in Recife.

Historical accounts reveal that Divino Mestre was imprisoned during political unrest but had garnered significant support from his followers due to his revolutionary ideas about education and faith.

Legacy and Resistance

Divino Mestre's teachings challenged established norms by promoting literacy among enslaved populations—an act seen as subversive during his time leading up to abolition.

His efforts were viewed as dangerous by authorities because they empowered marginalized groups through education—a powerful tool for resistance against oppression.

Recife's Historical Context and Resistance

The Legacy of Slavery and Early Writings

In 1799, the speaker discusses their mother's experience with slavery in Recife, highlighting the significance of learning to read and write during that period.

A pivotal document is mentioned: the first written work by a Black individual against racism in Brazil, emphasizing pride in one's heritage and identity.

Revolutionary Ideas and Cultural Identity

The text references the Haitian Revolution as an inspiration for resistance against colonialism, marking it as a significant event that led to Haiti becoming the first country in the Americas to abolish slavery.

The discussion shifts towards African matrix religions, stressing the importance of combating discrimination against practitioners within communities.

Community Resilience and Challenges

The speaker reflects on how community members navigate societal pressures while maintaining their cultural practices despite public scrutiny.

There’s a historical context provided regarding ongoing persecution faced by Afro-Brazilian communities from institutions like the Catholic Church.

Project Querino and Its Impact

Information about Project Querino is shared, which aims to preserve this history through various media formats. It is supported by Instituto Ibirapitanga.

Production Credits and Acknowledgments