Quilombola territories in Cariri Cearense

Abstract

This research, presented in the form of an article, sought to analyze and understand the dynamics of quilombolas based on their common historical trajectory and discuss the territorialization and reterritorialization of black and quilombola communities in Cariri, Ceará. We conducted home visits in the quilombo territorial area and by making use of a semi-structured interview script we interviewed some leaders about the theme of quilombola self-recognition and their daily lives, using an audio and video recording system, with subsequent transcription. During the year 2024, we visited the quilombola communities: Arrudas-Araripe, Sassaré and Carcarás-Potengi, Sousa-Porteiras, Mulatos-Jardim, Serra dos Chagas and Lagoa dos Crioulos-Salitre, where we took field notes. To develop the research, we adopted the descriptive exploratory field study as a data collection technique, with the structuring, collection and analysis of all the research data being carried out using two approaches: the dialectical and phenomenological methods. We understand that the historical quilombola territories of Cariri, being located in the outskirts, in rural areas, have suffered from delays in education, access to health, electricity, public transportation and other public policies. However, while on the one hand these territories are relegated in their rights, placing some of the quilombos in a situation of poverty and social vulnerability, on the other hand, they stand out despite all the indifference of the exclusionary institutional system, revealing their great achievements in techniques applied to fishing, agricultural and extractive practices, as well as in crafts, dance, music, among many others.