Não é conversa pra boi dormir: Memórias de mestres do Boi-Bumbá Corre Campo (Manaus-AM)

Abstract

This study aims to understand the importance of masters in popular culture from the perspective of Boi-Bumbá, highlighting their social protagonism, cultural, artistic, political, and symbolic manifestations. The goal was to recover the memory of the masters of Boi-Bumbá Corre Campo in Manaus, Amazonas. This investigation intertwines with interdisciplinary threads in a dialogue between Anthropology, Sociology, Ethnology, and the Arts. The present study focuses on analyzing memory within a folkloric association, exploring the narratives of the masters of this Boi-Bumbá, seeking to understand the importance of Boi-Bumbá as a folkloric group and of local folklore as narrated by these masters. Additionally, we aim to investigate the social roles of these individuals within the association, reconstructing through their memories the processes that gave rise to Boi Corre Campo and identifying the main changes over time. Furthermore, we sought to understand, through the narratives, the dynamics of social relations involving these social agents in the context of Boi-Bumbá and the folklore of Manaus. The research took place at the headquarters of the Folkloric Cultural Association Boi-Bumbá Corre Campo, the rehearsal space, and the masters' residences. These spaces are where the masters cultivate their relationships with other members of the folkloric group, which is evident in their daily practices as well as in their culture. This research assumes a qualitative approach in a dialogical process of weaving the discussions undertaken. Among the multiple aspects identified is the fact that the masters end up being guardians of the tradition of the Boi festivity, sharing feelings intertwined with folklore, the Boi play, and the city of Manaus. Their knowledge and practices reflect collaborative work, emerging as an order of gestures and actions, that is, they are constructive practices that refer to the ethos of Well-Being. Finally, it should be recognized that the results of this research will contribute to giving visibility to the masters, shedding light on their social and cultural practices, as the work developed from the perspective of historical and folkloric reconstruction becomes a powerful weapon for strengthening initiatives of cultural heritage policies as a way to legitimize and resist folkloric groups, such as Boi-Bumbá.