Arquivo

In 1939, U.S. anthropologist Ruth Landes came to Bahia researching the black element in the population and was amazed at the strength and sovereignty that women from the candomblé exerted, forming a matriarchal organization. Her thought is one of the leads in this documentary, illustrated by images of popular festivities and African cults, from the famous mães de santo to the exhuberant beauty of the city of Salvador. The film presents Mãe Estela, Yalorixá from the Axé Opó Afonjá ceremonial grounds - one of the oldest and best known in Bahia - as she tells the story of candomblé and of life itself. She broaches the subject of a matriarchal society, the energy in women, and synchretism in Brazil. Finally, she talks of the future and of the hope she has in the continuity and strength of candomblé.