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Stairway to Aruanda: Creating an Accessible Spiritual World in the Religion of Umbanda

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Stairway to Aruanda: Creating an Accessible Spiritual World in the Religion of Umbanda University of Nevada, Reno Stairway to Aruanda: Creating an Accessible Spiritual World in the Religion of Umbanda A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Liberal Arts in Anthropology by Erin Frias Dr. Louis Forline/Thesis Advisor May, 2015 The Graduate School We recommend that the thesis prepared under our supervision by Erin Frias Entitled Stairway to Aruanda: Creating an Accessible Spiritual World in the Religion of Umbanda Be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Liberal Arts Louis Forline Ph.D., Advisor Erin Stiles Ph.D., Committee Member Linda Curcio-Nagy Ph.D., Graduate School Representative David W. Zeh, Ph.D., Dean, Graduate School May 2015 Copyright by Erin Frias 2015 All Rights Reserved i Abstract This thesis is a study about how the Brazilian religion of Umbanda creates an accessible spiritual world based on inclusion. Past research on the phenomena of spirit possession/incorporation has led to a solid grouping of theories which have been argued to a state of stagnation. These theoretical studies have proven how possession is an expression of resistance to inequality, racism, poverty, cultural change, and the product of mental illness and identity formation. While one cannot deny that these theories have had profound influence on how spirit possession has been, and continues to be, viewed in various cultures, they neglect a truly interpretive approach that asks the question: “How does spirit possession/incorporation create an accessible and tangible spiritual world?” In his research with the Urapmin of Papua New Guinea, Anthropologist Joel Robbins observed the importance of proximity and distance to heaven within a Pentecostal community. I have also found evidence to support that the distance between the spiritual world and the material world is very important when considering the history of exclusion in the Afro-Brazilian religious market. In this thesis, I will examine how the religion of Umbanda creates a more accessible world and allows them to participate in a larger universe. Key words—spirit possession, incorporation, proximity, distance, exclusion, accessibility, anthropomorphism, spirits, reincarnation. ii Acknowledgements Throughout my graduate school career, I have considered myself to be extremely lucky to have met, befriended, and in many cases, to be related to the people I thank in this acknowledgement. Success is not achieved alone but through the generous support of others. I would like to thank my professor, mentor, and friend Dr. Louis Forline for introducing me to Brazil and kindling my passion for cultural anthropology. I would like to thank Dr. Erin Stiles for encouraging me to pursue religion as a specialty; and Dr. Linda Curcio-Nagy for showing me how awesome religious history could be. I would like to thank Dr. Marlia Coelho for her beautiful heart and warm Brazilian hospitality. I will always be grateful for your knowledge and kindness. I would like to thank my Brazilian family which is quite extensive: Roselis for giving me a home and a friendship that will last a lifetime. You are a beautiful person with a huge heart; Lucie who filled my nights with wonderful conversation and yummy French crepes. I adore you. Xoana and Irune “the Spaniards” for translating and introducing me to a wonderful Brazilian nightlife, not to mention the hotel pool and bar that we snuck into every day and where I watched most of the World Cup games. I want to thank Nina for showing me that there is still magic in the world and for being my substitute kid. Most of all I would like to thank the members of my Umbanda community: Pai Pingo and his enthusiasm to teach me everything he knew about Umbanda, you are a wonderful person with a dazzling soul; Gustavo, with his kind voice and patience; Ivanilde, with her beautiful smile and dedication to her faith; Ana Paula, with her down-to-earth personality and wonder; iii Oneide and Jorge, the mother and son team; Pai Alfredo, and his exquisite mind and incredible knowledge; and Bruno for his excellent translation skills. I would also like to thank Hederson, Anderson, Washington, Layla, Cris, Mariana, Ana Claudia, Denise, Eliana, Isabela and their beautiful family. I know I have probably left out some names so I would like to say thank you to the entire terreiro for their hospitality and kindness. I would especially like to thank Alan, my pen-pal, for all of his help and patience with my incessant questions. I could not have done this without your help. Of course, I need to mention my translators in the USA, Newton and Frederico. Thank you for making sense of my research. Most of all I would like to thank my family: My parents, brothers, and sisters (consanguine, affine, and fictive) for their encouragement and understanding. I promise I will use the phone more often. I especially want to thank my mother-in-law, Linda, who set aside time during the holidays to review my thesis with me, line by line, word for word, over the phone, during rainstorms, and panic attacks. You got me through the “Great Cut and Paste Crisis of 2014” with grace and elegance. My husband Brian and daughter Bailey for their endless support through my sleepless nights, my stressful days, and my episodes of graduate student insanity. ILYTP. Last but not least, my graduate student family for being my sounding board for my crazy ideas and complaints. Communitas is alive and thriving within our department. iv Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ i Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... ii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ vii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... vii Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Theoretical Focus ........................................................................................................................ 4 Research Methods ..................................................................................................................... 12 Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 18 Concepts of Spirit Possession/Incorporation ............................................................................ 18 The Umbanda Interpretation of Spirit Incorporation ................................................................ 28 Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 36 Anthropological Approaches to Spirit Possession: A Literature Review ................................. 36 Medical and Psychological Approaches ............................................................................... 36 Sociological Approaches ...................................................................................................... 41 Interpretive Approaches ........................................................................................................ 58 Applying the Interpretive Approach ......................................................................................... 65 Chapter 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 76 The Social History of Umbanda among Brazil’s African Religions ........................................ 76 Myths of the Pretos Velhos ....................................................................................................... 86 v Myths of the Caboclos .............................................................................................................. 93 Myths of the Exús ..................................................................................................................... 97 Spirits and their Initiates ......................................................................................................... 102 Chapter 4 ..................................................................................................................................... 109 A Tenda de Pai Rompe Mato e Mãe Herondina: The Tent of Father Rompe Mato and Mother Herondina ................................................................................................................... 109 Belém, Pará, Brasil ............................................................................................................. 117 O Terreiro: The House ........................................................................................................ 119 As Pessoas: The People ...................................................................................................... 125 Os Pacientes: The Patients .................................................................................................. 125 Os Cambonos: The Assistants ............................................................................................ 129 Os Médiuns de Desenvolvimento: The Initiates ................................................................
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