Por uma História do Negro no Sul do Mato Grosso: história oral de quilombolas de Mato Grosso do Sul e a (re)invenção da tradição africana no cerrado brasileiro

Abstract

In the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the question of maroon identity has served as a point of contention between the state’s Historical and Geographical Institute and the Palmares Foundation. The former issued a resolution in 2008, stating that they do not recognize the presence of any remaining maroon-descendent community in the state. The latter recognized 22 distinct maroon-descendent communities in 2017. This article proposes a new narrative for black history, in dialogue with maroon communities and with academic knowledge, that has the potential to rewrite the history of African descendants in the region. Such an approach places what were once subordinates as the protagonists of the process of settling the Brazilian west and has implications on the definition of public service policies for these communities, in conflict with other political and economic interests.