Considering the concept of power in capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian ritual art form, Varela describes ethnographically the importance that capoeira leaders (mestres) have in the social configuration of a style called Angola in Bahia, Brazil. He analyzes how individual power is essential for an understanding of the modern history of capoeira, and for the themes of embodiment, play, cosmology, and ritual action. The book also emphasizes the great significance that creativity and aesthetic expression have for capoeira’s practice and performance.

Subject: Anthropology (General) Performance Studies

Area: Latin America and the Caribbean

LC: GV1796.C145 G66 2017

BISAC: PER021000 PERFORMING ARTS/Dance/Regional & Ethnic; SOC002010 SOCIAL SCIENCE/Anthropology/Cultural & Social; SPO027000 SPORTS & RECREATION/Martial Arts & Self-Defense

BIC: AS Dance & other performing arts; JHMC Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography