Orixalidades: questões religiosas em três autoras da literatura afro-brasileira contemporânea

Abstract

Literature written by black women still goes through a process of invisibility in the publishing market. This thesis intends to give voice to afro-brazilian literature written by women, through the textual analysis of three authors, namely: Mãe Beata de Yemonjá, Cidinha da Silva and Ruth Guimarães. In addition, a specific point will be addressed, with orixality being the guiding principle of this research. As orixalidade, it is understood, in short, as elements of afro-brazilian religions (such as Umbanda and Candomblé) present in the textuality, such as the presence of orixás, entities and enchanted ones, in addition to objects and musicality used in Afro-Brazilian rites. The aspects that configure Afro-Brazilian literature from Duarte (2019) are presented. Other researchers, such as Cuti (2010) and Dalcastagnè (2017) also introduce this theme. It should be noted that the issue of orixality is always also surrounded by subjects such as Afro-Brazilian religiosity, africanities, ancestry and blackness. The texts to be worked on come from the following works: “Caroço de dendê: a sabedoria dos terreiros (2002)” (2002), by Mãe Beata de Yemonjá; " Os nove pentes d'África" (2009) and "Um Exu em Nova York" (2018), by Cidinha da Silva and "Contos negros" (2020) by Ruth Guimarães. Another point worth mentioning is the fact that African or Afro-Brazilian religions, such as Umbanda and Candomblé, suffer a lot of religious racism. Literature can, through orixalidades in textuality, help to break prejudice against these religions. In this way, this research contributes to the understanding that orixalidade emphasizes the appreciation of African heritage, including myths, rituals, symbols and the presence of deities known as Orixás. Furthermore, the research seeks to break with stereotypes and negative representations associated with African-based religions, offering a more authentic and respectful vision of these traditions. Afro-Brazilian writers often explore the symbolic and spiritual richness of these religions in their works, contributing to the construction of a more positive and empowered cultural identity. Orixalidade in Afro-Brazilian literature, therefore, plays a significant role in promoting inclusion and celebrating Brazil's religious and cultural diversity, observed here in the texts of Ruth Guimarães, Cidinha da Silva and Mãe Beata de Yemonjá.