RELIGIOSIDADE AFRO-BRASILEIRA: DESAFIOS E PARADOXOS EM ACARAPE, CEARÁ, BRASIL

Abstract: We seek to demonstrate a situation of invisibility of Afro-Brazilian culture regarding the religious aspect resulting from the prejudiced and Eurocentric legacy present in the formation of Brazilian society. Methodologically it is a study of qualitative approach, using observation techniques, imagery resource and interview to collect and generate data and information. The importance of studying and propagating religious issues involving the African matrix is ​​evidenced, as it was necessary to recognize and preserve the symbolic heritage pertinent to the Afro-Brazilian religious matrix. It was evidenced that the reflective and evaluative debate about the social meaning of the religious culture of African, Afro-Brazilian and African descent matrix was necessary. From this writing emerged some of the subjects who contributed and still contribute to keep the religious culture of African matrix to stay alive, even though its origins are unknown by so many religious who claim to be practitioners.