História na Beirada: memórias de quilombolas do Caldeirão

Abstract

Memory is a central element in the study of social groups, connecting daily life to the historical past of these communities. This dissertation adopts a decolonial and counter-hegemonic approach, prioritizing the voices of the elders of the Quilombola Community of Caldeirão, in Salvaterra, Pará, while linking these narratives to an analysis of the historical and contemporary transformations of the territory. It discusses the colonial process on Marajó Island, marked by the imposition of large estates, the land appropriation by religious missions, and the presence of Africans and their resistance. This colonial context is essential for understanding the identity dynamics of Caldeirão, which preserves insurgent cultural practices in opposition to the enduring colonial legacies. Through memories and oral tradition, the research seeks to understand the trajectories and expressions of local identities, valuing lived experiences as legitimate forms of knowledge. As a quilombola community fighting for the recognition of its land rights, memory plays an essential role in (re)constructing identity, renewing itself without breaking its roots. The methodology — participant observation, oral history, and interviews — enabled immersion in the community's daily life and the listening to voices sidelined by official history, revealing local knowledge and multiple temporalities that shape community life. Thus, memory is valued as a living practice of transformation and resistance, offering a panorama that integrates ancestral narratives, the impact of colonialism on Marajó, and the contemporary challenges faced by the Quilombola Community of Caldeirão