Santos, ervas, cachimbo e fogo: a encantaria dos Cangerês em Juiz de Fora (1884-1934)

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to analyze and understand the religiosity that, between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century, was known in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, as Cangerê or Canjerê. This term, commonly used throughout the country to designate dances and rites of African origin, takes on the guise of an organized ritual in "Minas Gerais Manchester." We seek, through journalistic sources and criminal proceedings, to understand these rites and the actions of their practitioners to maintain and perpetuate their beliefs. The bibliographical research already conducted on African-based religions in the city also plays a crucial role in the construction of this work. Finally, this master's dissertation seeks to understand how the cultural heritage of the last generation of enslaved people from the coffee-growing southeast, specifically from the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, shapes the culture and daily life of Juiz de Fora, in this case, through the Cangerês.