Brinquedo de Cura in Terreiro de Mina

Abstract

Black people's pajelança, commonly known as Cura (Curing) or Pajé, is found in Maranhão since the 19th century among black population. It's currently found in many terreiros along the capital where, interacting with the Tambor de Mina (traditional religion with African roots) and Umbanda (African-brazilian religion defunded in Maranhão from the 1930s) takes several forms. Cura is very sought by people seeking for the protection provided by the encantados (enchanted) and who believe in its power to undo spells and heal several diseases. In Brinquedo de cura (pajelança dances) - the public ritual where the Pajé or curers goes in a trance with a wide variety of spiritual entities -, the singing, performed in Portuguese, stimulates the participation of the audience/participants by clapping and sometimes playing the matraca or dancing. Cure's music repertoire is very rich and includes songs passed along through generations and others "inspired" to the Pajés or "taught by the encantados" during the rituals.