Stanzas and Sticks: Poetic and Physical Challenges in the Afro-Brazilian Culture of the Paraíba Valley, Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Verbal and physical challenges in the Paraíba Valley, Rio de Janeiro State, were at the heart of various cultural practices that crystallized after the abolition of slavery in Brazil (1888): the jongo, the calango, and the folia de reis. Jongo refers to a rhythm, a type of lyric and a dance whose origins are located in West Central Africa. Calango stands for a sung duel accompanied by music and a couple dance. Folia de Reis (Kings’ Folly’) is a theatrical performance, or ‘folly’, inspired by Catholic medieval mystery plays. Physical challenges, present in all three, were also at the core of jogo do pau (stick play) as well as in the fighting that often erupted at fortnightly dancing venues. Drawing upon the existing literature and on fieldwork carried out in various communities of that area I sketch the social context of these ‘games’ and discuss the different types of poetic and physical challenges and the circumstances in which they could turn into rougher contests or violent brawls. The examination of jongos, calangos, folias and jogo do pau shows that each of these forms cannot be analysed in isolation even though prevailing power structures contributed to their compartmentalization. Thus, not only the recently revitalized jongo, but also the calango and folia are significant expressions of the Afro-Brazilian heritage.