Saberes, fé e resistência : o cuidado de si e do outro por meio de rezadeiras do sertão paraibano no século XXI

Abstract

To think about other ways of existence that challenge Eurocentric, capitalist, patriarchal, and Christian logics is a daily and continuous exercise. This research develops from the sertões as conceptualized by Ana Maria Veiga, understood here as places distant from major urban centers where other forms of knowledge and narratives persist. As an investigation, it also proposes to engage with the counter-colonial movement of Nêgo Bispo by discussing practices of healing, health promotion, well-being, counseling, herbal teas, and blessings developed in these places considered non-central. I also draw on the thought of Durval Muniz de Albuquerque Júnior when addressing the construction of stereotyped imaginaries that associate the Northeast solely with hunger, drought, and lack. Considering the rezadeiras as women healers, as argued by Veiga, I ground these discussions in decolonial studies, Global South feminism, and the reflections of Black intellectuals in order to think through these questions. Regarding the interviews, I draw on oral history through the works of Marta Rovai and Alessandro Portelli, on Vânia Vasconcelos’ concept of feminismo aprendente, on Ana Veiga’s proposal to decolonize through sertanidades, and on Leda Maria Martins’ concept of spiral temporality. The knowledge of sertanejo women healers is crossed by colonization and coloniality; nevertheless, it is fundamental for understanding part of Brazil’s history, as well as its limits and possibilities. It is from this perspective that this work seeks to contribute to both regional and national historiographies.