THE MUSICALITY OF BOI DE MÁSCARAS

REFLECTIONS ABOUT CULTURAL TRANSMISSION AND THE PRESERVATION OF INTANGIBLE HERITAGE

Abstract

This study presents data on the history of the Boi de Máscaras Faceiro and reflections on the process of cultural transmission within this group. These reflections emerged during the implementation of the Boi de Máscaras Musicality Project, in the second half of 2022. Boi de Máscaras is the name given to the groups of June oxen that dance annually in the streets of São Caetano de Odivelas, in the Northeast of the State of Pará. Among the diversity of Bois de Máscaras groups, this study focused specifically on Boi Faceiro due to its extensive musical repertoire. The Boi de Máscaras Musicality Project digitized, transcribed, stored, and disseminated Boi Faceiro’s musical repertoire. The results presented here derived from an ethnographic study that included field research, document analysis and interviews. The theoretical framework includes authors such as Taylor (2008) and Connerton (1989), who discuss the transmission of cultural knowledge and collective memory. The research concluded that Boi Faceiro exemplifies cultural resilience, reflecting community engagement and local tradition. The execution of the Boi de Máscaras Musicality Project highlighted the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage, emphasizing the crucial role of performance in transmitting knowledge and maintaining the cultural identity of São Caetano de Odivelas.