The Quilombola Community of Mumbuca, located in Mateiros, Jalapão, Tocantins, was founded in the early 20th century by descendants of enslaved people who migrated from the Bahia hinterlands in 1909 in search of better living conditions. They settled in an isolated area, developing a self-sufficient community that still preserves its cultural traditions and sustainable practices. The indigenous term “mumbuca” refers to a type of blue bee commonly found in this region. The community is officially recognised as a Quilombola community by Fundação Palmares.
Mumbuca’s culture is rich and diverse, especially renowned for its golden grass handicrafts, known as “cerrado’s gold.” Artisans produce items such as hats, baskets, vases, mandalas, trays, jars, pots, fruit bowls, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and lamps. Music is also integral to local culture, notably the use of the buriti viola, a traditional instrument created in the 1940s by the community’s ancestors. Local cuisine, based on native ingredients, complements the cultural richness of the community.
Traditions include the Golden Grass Harvest Festival, held annually in September, marking the beginning of the harvest season for this raw material. The event features musical performances, traditional dances, and handicraft exhibitions, celebrating the community’s Quilombola cultural identity and ancestry. Knowledge of sustainable golden grass management and artisanal crafting techniques is passed down through generations, strengthening community bonds and preserving cultural heritage.
The community is organised around the Association of Artisans and Extractivists of Mumbuca, which coordinates handicraft activities and promotes local sustainable development. Decisions are made collectively, valuing the participation of all members and fostering strong community ties.
Mumbuca's economy is primarily based on golden grass handicrafts, which generate income for families and promote environmental sustainability. Additionally, the community has invested in community-based tourism, offering visitors authentic experiences and contributing to the diversification of income sources.
Religiosity in the Quilombola Community of Mumbuca is marked by a blend of traditional African beliefs and Christian influences. Devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary is predominant, reflecting the community’s cultural and spiritual heritage. This devotion dates back to the community’s founding when José Cláudio de Souza, one of the founders, brought an image of the saint, establishing her as the local patroness. Annual festivities honouring the patroness strengthen community ties and preserve religious traditions central to the Quilombo’s identity.
The Quilombola Community of Mumbuca deeply values traditional medicine, using medicinal plants and ancestral practices to treat various ailments. This knowledge is orally transmitted between generations, preserving ancestral wisdom and promoting collective health. Ethnographic studies reveal a wide variety of plant species used in teas and herbal preparations, highlighting the richness of local traditional knowledge.
The Quilombola Community of Mumbuca is in the process of land regularisation to obtain the title to their traditional territory, seeking to secure their territorial rights and cultural preservation. The community also faces challenges related to environmental conservation and sustainable development, actively working to address these issues.
To visit the Quilombola Community of Mumbuca, you must travel to the municipality of Mateiros in Tocantins. From Mateiros, access to the community is via dirt roads, and using 4x4 vehicles is recommended due to road conditions. It is advisable to contact the local association to schedule visits and obtain updated information about access conditions.
Dive into authentic Brazilian culture by visiting the Quilombola Community of Mumbuca. Experience age-old traditions, learn about golden grass handicrafts, and participate in local festivities. Exploring Mumbuca broadens your cultural horizons and contributes to preserving Brazil’s historical heritage.
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