“Território pra gente é casa”: mobilizações quilombistas no Marajó dos Campos

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the municipality of Salvaterra, on Marajó Island, in the state of Pará, where approximately 18 quilombola communities are located. The study focuses on two of these communities, Vila União/Campinas and Mangueiras, where two movements organized mainly by women operate: the Núcleo de Ação e Resistência Quilombola de Campinas/Vila União (Narq) and the Grupo de Mulheres Sementes do Quilombo, from the Mangueiras community. The main objective of this work is to analyze the strategies of quilombola resistance in the face of neocolonial projects implemented in Salvaterra (PA). Specifically, the aim is to: (1) identify the strategies developed by these organizations to confront the impacts of neocolonial projects in quilombola territories; (2) characterize the alliances and support networks formed to amplify their demands and resistance; and (3) understand how these movements articulate cultural and economic activities to strengthen quilombola communities. The research used individual semi-structured interviews with members of the Narq and the Grupo de Mulheres Sementes do Quilombo, in addition to participant observation in their collective activities. The analysis was based on the perspectives of development anthropology, quilombola territoriality, and the concept of quilombismo. The results show that the actions to confront neocolonial projects in Salvaterra are based on an ethnic-racial identity, an essential element for mobilizing actions and giving cohesion to the history of organization of quilombola communities. In the light of the theory of quilombismo, Narq and the Grupo de Mulheres Sementes do Quilombo are configured as quilombola movements, as they promote autonomy and community strengthening, seeking the independence of their communities. In addition to their quilombola identity, these initiatives are part of a broader network of mobilizations, articulating themselves territorially to strengthen their territories through cultural and economic activities, such as dance, income generation, and the recovery of traditional agricultural practices. These actions also connect with state and national mobilizations, establishing partnerships aligned with their internal objectives. By contributing to the field of studies on quilombos, neocolonialism and territorial resistance, this dissertation also engages with the debate on public policies aimed at guaranteeing territorial rights and strengthening the autonomy of quilombola communities.