References

Cordel

Ariano Suassuna considered Cordel to be the main reference of the Movimento Armorial, above all due to the magical and traditional spirit that permeates its history, very present in all the Romanceiro Popular do Nordeste. In his own words:

“The leaflet of our Cordel Literature can truly serve as our banner because it unites three paths: one, for Literature, Cinema and Theater, through the narrative poetry of its verses, another, for the Visual Arts, such as Etching, Painting, Sculpture, Woodcutting, Ceramics or Tapestry, and carvings on cajá peels for the xylographs that illustrate their covers; and, finally, a third path for Music, through the solfas (musical notes) and ponteados (guitar solos) that accompany and constitute their “cantares”, the singing of verses or stanzas.”

In the selection shown here, we bring together carvings and xylographs by the most important cordel artists, such as Abraão, Enéias, Expedito, J. Borges, João de Barros, José Costa Leite, Mestre Dila, Mestre Noza, Minelvino Francisco da Silva, Palito, Pedro Armando and Walfredo Gonçalves, demonstrating the popular imagery of the northeast that blends daily life with the extraordinary, common animals and monsters, comic and tragic scenes, faith and delirium. This set is completed with cordel leaflets dedicated to Ariano Suassuna, as well as the traditional presentation of clothes lines, which gave this kind of popular literature the name of Cordel. Finally, we propose an immersion into the universe of cordel, seen through a city designed by Pablo Borges, one of the sons of the celebrated J. Borges, still active at 86 years old.

Folguedos

Maracatu, Reisado and Cavalo-marinho

Other references of the Movimento Armorial are the popular feasts and their sumptuous costumes, banners and flags. Pernambuco has some of the most interesting folguedos and popular dances in the country. These popular costumes and entertainments that provide images of extraordinary beauty and wealth are maintained by the communities thanks to their endurance and obtained through their almost miraculous savings and sacrifices. In this nucleus are gathered three of the most important references for the Armorial movement: Reisado, Maracatu and Cavalo-Marinho, presented through their costumes and banners, as well as videos and photos.

In this nucleus we have three of the most important references of the Armorial movement: the Reisado, the Maracatu and the Cavalo-Marinho, presented through their costumes and banners, as well as videos and photos. The Reisado is a dance of Iberian origin that celebratesthe birth of baby Jesus and in honor of the Three Kings. The exceptional photos by Maureen Bissilliat illustrate the opulence of the beautiful hats used on this occasion that contrast with the simple people wearing them.

There are two types of Maracatu, the turned thump that originated in Africa and represents the coronation of the slaves, and the loose thump, also known as the Maracatu Rural. In the latter the figure of the Caboclo de Lança is highlighted, with his opulent and complex costume, made up of noisy rattles, a floating head of hair, an elaborate richly embroidered “collar” and a pointed spear, decorated with ribbons.