“Caboclinhos” now Brazil's immaterial cultural heritage
These revelers used to be seen on the streets, mostly during Carnival, dressed in colorful costumes trimmed with feathers and beads
The revelers known as caboclinhos, who represent one of the most traditional expressions of culture from the Brazilian northeast, were recognized as immaterial cultural heritage Thursday (Nov. 24) by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN).
The word caboclinhos is the diminutive form of caboclo, a person of white and indigenous ancentry, and a tribute to the original peoples of Brazil, of whom they see themselves as descendents.
These revelers used to be seen on the streets, mostly during Carnival, dressed in colorful costumes trimmed with feathers and beads, performing dance moves which referred back to the everyday life in their villages, like the perré, for bringing rain, and the toré, which has a religious element, according to Amauri Rodrigues de Amorim, head of the Tupã Indigenous Tribe Carnival Club, in Recife, state capital of Pernambuco.
The dance of the caboclinhos is also linked to the worship of the sacred jurema tree, native to the north and northeast of Brazil, used for preparing a tea drunk in religious rituals.
Their biggest party, however, is held on March 30. On this day, in 1645, in the village of Itapecerica, Pernambuco, members of a number of indigenous peoples held a great assembly and named their own representatives, divided in councils and headed by three land rulers.
Indigenous Tribe Carnival Club
Looking ahead
The Carnival Association of Caboclinhos and Indians of Pernambuco estimates there are 70 caboclinho groups in the state, 30 of them in Recife. “Mine is among the youngest ones, it's 39 years old,” quips Amorim, who is also secretary at the association.
The caboclinhos' status as cultural heritage may make it easier for those among them who struggle to keep their tradition alive.
To manufacture costumes and instruments used in their show, they are granted funds from the state and city governments. “We hope that, in addition to the recognition of our culture, the title brings us more opportunities outside of Pernambuco, and that the amount paid by the city authorities may rise,” Amorim said.
Pernambuco Culture Secretary Marcelino Granja says that government support is necessary to preserve their art. “We need to help their headquarters, we need to be concerned with the training of new masters of this art,” he declared.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: “Caboclinhos” now Brazil's immaterial cultural heritage
