O território da comunidade quilombola de Boa Esperança- Areal(RJ): percepções materiais e imateriais

Abstract

Quilombos in Brazil signify not only territories laden with memory but also bastions of resistance, encompassing both pre-colonial and post-colonial communities. They manifest a wide array of forms of struggle and territorial evolution that span physical and cultural dimensions. These spaces stand out as pivotal elements for critical approaches within the realm of decolonial geographies. In this context, a crucial discourse emerges regarding quilombos as a social movement seen through the lens of "quilombism," a concept that seeks an understanding devoid of colonial racist residues. The objective is to grasp the ancestral and cultural potentials interwoven in the construction and preservation of quilombo territories. To achieve this end, this study focused on the Quilombola Community of Boa Esperança-Areal, situated in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Gathering the essential data to underpin the development of this study involved a comprehensive process. Interviews and careful observations were conducted, with perceptions analyzed qualitatively and documented. These analyses extended beyond the local scope of Boa Esperança, aiming to contextualize on a national scale. This holistic approach enabled the identification of the intricate processes of quilombo territorial formation and recognition at a national level. The intrinsic significance of land and the ongoing struggle for its possession and maintenance became evident throughout the study. The conducted analyses shed light not only on existence but also on the enduring resilience of quilombola communities across diverse contexts. Hence, this study not only unveils the richness of these peoples' histories but also contributes to a deeper comprehension of the social and cultural dynamics that permeate Brazilian quilombos.