Two links of the same chain: the Corrida do Imbu and Penitência rituals among the Pankararu

Abstract

This article intends to contribute to
the understanding of the Pankararu ritual system
by focusing especially on “Corrida do Imbu” and
“Penitência”, which are cyclic rituals conducted si-
multaneously. This study explores the relationship
between humans and super-humans, the system of
reciprocity, and the network of cooperation and ag-
gression present in this context. The mechanisms of
communication and the connections established with
the supernatural world – based on the system of pro-
mises and requests and concerning mainly the cure
of illnesses – are daily elements of mediation in this
relationship. The Pankararu are located in the São
Francisco river region, in the state of Pernambuco,
northeastern Brazil, and in the Greater Sao Paulo area,
southeastern Brazil. Migration has occurred since the
1950s. The Pankararu have been classed as accultured
and have gone through forced contact, intermarriage
with other groups and loss of their native language.