Capoeira and cultural identity: an effort of analysis based on the narratives of capoeirista masters

Abstract

his article is the result of a master's research that aims to investigate how the capoeira groups located in the city of Vitória - ES, manifest their practice, highlighting aspects that promote the consolidation of cultural identities in the territory in which they are inserted. This research presents as center of study six capoeira’s groups: Barravento, Volta ao mundo, Beribazu, Renascer, Henrança Cultural and Sapeba Capoeira. This article is based on interviews conducted with capoeira masters. We consider this individual as the catalyst for opinions within the group; who, in a limited process of feedback with his disciples, forms and informs the group's ideology. The master exercises the function of reference and, maximum authority, being respected and obeyed. The narratives constructed, through the interviews, were primordial to understand and reflect on the components that integrate the territoriality of capoeira groups, which collaborate for the expansion of this cultural identity. We note that the main component of this process is the values transmitted by the orality and the life experience of the masters, who pass from generation to generation.