"Herdeiros de Chico Rei": mito de origem e etnogênese da comunidade quilombola de Pontinha

Abstract

The central purpose of this dissertation is to examine the myth of origin of the Quilombola community called Pontinha and its relationship with its the communitys current collective identity. The community is located in the rural area of Paraopeba, central region of Minas Gerais, about 100km from Belo Horizonte. For this, I present a brief literature review of more general aspects on the history of the region, with emphasis on the municipalities of Paraopeba and Caetanópolis. After this, I focus on the regional historical context, presenting an analysis of some of the core elements of the past and current formation of the Pontinha community highlighting the land conflicts experienced. Following that I present a detailed analysis of the myth of origin of this quilombo community which came as a story invented by a person external to the community. In a first moment the myth is presented with all of his rich narrative elements. Secondly, I analyse this myth, seeking alternatives to understand its emergence and the cosmological, identity and political implications for the Pontinha community.