Notas Sobre o Sincretismo Afro-Brasileiro

Abstract

This article returns, in the form of notes, to my reflections on Afro-Brazilian syncretism. Therefore, I reconsider the discussion about the dichotomous classification of religious practices, distinguishing between horizontal syncretism (or syntagmatic or metonymic), and the vertical mode (or paradigmatic or metonymic). I then briefly discuss the history of the
interpretations of syncretism within the area of specialized Afro-Brazilian studies. Finally, I reflect upon the pertinence and actuality of the theme of syncretism in contexts of postmodernism, secularization and dechristianization.