Stanzas and Sticks: Poetic and Physical Challenges in the Afro-Brazilian Culture of the Paraíba Valley, Rio de Janeiro

Verbal and physical challenges in the Paraíba Valley, Rio de Janeiro State, were at heart of various cultural practices that crystallized after abolition slavery Brazil (1888): jongo, calango, folia reis. Jongo refers to a rhythm, type lyric dance whose origins are located West Central Africa. Calango stands for sung duel accompanied by music couple dance. Folia Reis (Kings’ Folly’) is theatrical performance, or ‘folly’, inspired Catholic medieval mystery plays. Physical challenges, present all three, also core jogo do pau (stick play) as well fighting often erupted fortnightly dancing venues. Drawing upon existing literature on fieldwork carried out communities area I sketch social context these ‘games’ discuss different types poetic circumstances which they could turn into rougher contests violent brawls. The examination jongos, calangos, folias shows each forms cannot be analysed isolation even though prevailing power structures contributed their compartmentalization. Thus, not only recently revitalized but calango significant expressions Afro-Brazilian heritage.