Som, fluxo e música na umbanda: noções etnomusicológicas sobre as energias no “Centro Espírita de Umbanda Jesus, Maria e José”

Abstract

This study, as the title suggests, works with sound, flow and music notions in Ceará’s Umbanda context. The researched terreiro is “Centro Espírita de Umbanda Jesus Maria e José” (currently run by Mãe Gardênia de Iansã), founded in 1956, one of the oldest terreiros in Fortaleza and Ceará. Bringing concepts of perception (especially soundwise) debated by Tim Ingold (2008) and the concept of music by Anthony Seeger (2015), I relate them to the history and manners of the terreiro people. After describing “C.E.U. Jesus Maria e José” in accordance to its practices and ways of living the umbanda, the role of music is highlighted, as well as its form during different rituals (including giras , firmamentos and parties). Besides, I dive into the lyrics, melodies and rhythms used in the Casa ’s pontos cantados , which indicates the esthetics notions in the Terreiro . Finally, I relate sound and music with the energy flow of the casa , concluding the sounds, created for ritualistic purposes, act as the mediator between people and the entities/deities.