A ativação e mobilização social pelo patrimônio afro- religioso em Pelotas: narrativas e lutas da Comunidade Beneficente Tradicional de Terreiro Caboclo Rompe Mato Ile Axé Xangô e Oxalá.

Abstract

The study investigates heritage activation and social mobilization through Afro-religious heritage in Brazil, focusing on the Comunidade Beneficente Tradicional de Terreiro Caboclo Rompe Mato Ile Axé Xangô e Oxalá (CBTT) in Pelotas, RS. The objective is to understand the demands of the Povos de Terreiro for the heritage recognition of these spaces, analyzing the challenges and socio-political impacts of their institutionalization. The research adopts a qualitative approach, combining documentary analysis, literature review, and narrative interviews with religious leaders. The results show that the patrimonialization of Umbanda terreiras can be a significant step toward valuing Brazilian cultural diversity, but it faces structural challenges. The absence of formal records of these houses in the Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (IPHAN) reflects the historical erasure of Afro-Brazilian religions and their exclusion from preservation policies. Furthermore, the study reveals that the patrimonialization of terreiras is not limited to the physical protection of spaces but involves recognizing the centrality of orality, rituals, and ancestry in the construction of Afro-religious memory. Interviews with religious leaders highlight the ongoing struggle against intolerance and religious racism, factors that hinder the visibility and acceptance of these traditions within the heritage field. However, when it comes to Afro-Gaúcho religious houses, the characteristic of the Linha Cruzada proves to be a conflicting element in requests for heritage listing and registration, both at the state and national levels. The analysis throughout this study underscores the importance of orality and lived experience in preserving Afro-religious memory, emphasizing the need for active community participation in this process. It concludes that the heritage recognition of terreiras can strengthen more inclusive cultural policies, promoting respect for and protection of Afro-Brazilian knowledge and practices.