Diálogo de saberes e ancestralidade: narrativas afrocentradas da Vila da Palha, Pelotas RS

Abstract

This research has as its main axis the re-imagining of the past/present, more specifically the slaveholding past, through Afro-diasporic ancestry. This perspective was built together with interlocutors linked to the YlêIansã Nire terreira, located in Vila da Palha, Pelotas. I am interested in understanding the perception of the past, and the past-present relationship of the residents of this historically subordinated area of the city, which I consider a scenario of transcultural dynamics. The village is geographically located between several Beef Jerky plantations, but it is worth noting that it is a ground that establishes a strong bond with the ancestors. I consider the decolonization of academic knowledge to be fundamental in my approach through the implementation of a dialogue of knowledge, from which black and Afro-religious narratives about the Beef Jerky plantations, the Vila and the people could be discussed. I emphasize here the relevance of returning research as a result of this epistemological approach. I make a presentation held in Terreira based on academic research linked to strategies of daily resistance and maintenance of ancestry that enslaved people developed in Beef Jerky plantations in the 19th century. I seek to mediate the exchange of knowledge, through the presentation of ethnographic triggers, (things, images and documents that stimulate memories and narratives) promoting the evocation of memories in the people who live in Vila da Palha, and who frequent the terreira, and resulting in the reciprocal sharing of knowledge, academy-group, group-academy. This moment of dialogue of knowledge was documented with the purpose of carrying out an audiovisual production delivered to the community and that configures the feedback of this research. In this work I recognize the knowledge of my interlocutors and bring their speeches as central elements of the dissertation, as well as I dialogue with Afro-diasporic literature and discuss the relevance of carrying out the return of academic research in archeology.