Cordel literature named Brazil cultural heritage
Brazil's National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) recognized literatura de cordel—a literary genre with great popular appeal—as Brazilian Intangible Cultural Heritage. The decision was made unanimously today (Sep. 19) by the agency’s council members in Rio de Janeiro.
“Poets, reciters, editors, illustrators, drawers, visual artists, woodcut artists, and book vendors can celebrate this remarkable achievement,” Iphan declared.
The genre is the trade and the source of livelihood for a large number of Brazilians. Despite being born in the country’s North and Northeast regions, literatura de cordel has become widespread across the country, especially through migration.
History
Literatura de cordel became part of Brazilian culture late in the 19th century. The genre was built through the connection of both oral and written tradition in the formation of Brazilian society, and includes strong links to African, indigenous as well as European and Arabic cultures. Some of its elements date back to the Middle Ages and are associated with sung and recited poetry.
Originally, the phrase literatura de cordel did not refer to a particular literary genre, but rather to how books were displayed to the public, hanging from a cordel—or string—like clothes on a washing line.
According to Iphan, Brazilian folk poets in the 19th century brought these elements together and created their own way of making poetry, which has turned into one of Brazil’s most important forms of expression.
