Mulheres de pés descalços e pulsos fortes, mulheres de terreiro: estudo de caso sobre identidades e experiência religiosa no Ilê Axé Egun (Juiz de Fora/MG)

Abstract

African-based religions, in general, show a centrality to the woman figure, which can be seen both in their mythology and in the practices that are experienced inside the terreiros. However, the purpose of this research is to identify not only how women are inserted in the Afro-religious field, but, mainly, how religion is inserted in these women's lives. The general objective of this thesis is based on understanding the religious experiences of women who occupy the positions of Iyalorixá, iyabassé, ekede and mediums in Ilê Axé Egun, exploring how these experiences with the sacred cross their life trajectories and corroborate to the formation of their personal and collective identities. Therefore, in order to contextualize the theme, a literature review was carried out on the field of Afro-Brazilian religions, and also on the way in which female aspects are approached and valued in the world of Orixás, as well as the unique role of women in the history of formation of the terreiro communities in Brazil. Finally, to respond to the main objective of this research, a qualitative methodology was adopted. Thus, participant observation was developed in the public sessions of Ilê Axé Egun and semi-structured interviews were applied to six women who exercise different functions in the house. The purpose of the interviews was to understand how the religious experience is present in their lives, and it is possible to see in the narratives that the ties created with the Entidades, Orixás and with the saint's family were able to transform their personal trajectories, modifying their personalities and bringing a stimulus for the improvement in their lives. It was concluded that religion had a direct impact on the construction of individual and collective identities of these women. In the individual sphere, their lives have been affected in such a way that these women claim that they see themselves as a person before and a totally different person after entering the religion. Some of them feel that their lives are more serene, they have become more patient and cautious, others, however, are more encouraged and rigorous in stressful situations. In common, the interlocutors affirm that religion is the basis for everything in their lives, including in this totalizing conception both their actions, as well as their expectations and choices. Through the collectivity, identities are constructed as these women feel that they belong to a nest, where they are all connected in reciprocal bonds. Living in the barracão nourishes them with affection, security and support. Thus, religion acts as a life support and a source of power for the women of Ilê Axé Egun.