IEMANJÁ: A RAINHA DOS MARES ÀS MARGENS DO RIO PARAGUAI

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to understand the dynamics of devotion and praise for Iemanjá on the banks of the Paraguay River, in Porto Geral, located in the city of Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul. Religions of African origin are a determining factor in the social and cultural construction of the region, and this research addresses the mystical and religious relationships that permeate the imaginary and daily life of the terreiros, priests and children of saints. The research emphasizes the narratives of Mother Elenir and Mother Janaína, daughters of Iemanjá and the main interlocutors of this study, based on an ethnographic cross-section of religious activities, from the weekly giras and preparations to the praise of Iemanjá, which takes place in the last week of the year and on February 2nd. It should be noted that although this work includes interlocutors from other terreiros and their narratives are covered throughout the text, the dissertation is the result, above all, of my regular participation in the Pai Oxalá Umbanda Spiritist Center, Mother Elenir's terreiro, and of following the preparations of the Maria da Guiné Umbanda Spiritist Tent, run by Mother Janaína. The analysis was guided by the daily experience of these religious spaces.

Keywords: Corumbá; religions of African origin; terreiros; rituals; praising Iemanjá