Menstruation and atabaques: an approximation to the musical practices of afro-bahian candomblé

Abstract

The music in the afro-bahian candomblé is central to ritual ceremonies. In this context, the consecrated atabaques perform the task of calling the deities and promoting the trance. The execution of the ilus is in custody of the ogãs, an exclusively masculine role, high in hierarchy and very prestigious inside and outside the terreiro, while women have no access to this position because of a taboo related to menstruation.

Based on field work done in several terreiros in Salvador de Bahia and the examination of diverse testimonies, this article proposes an approach to the participation of women inside the temple, the socio-cultural objections that exist concerning menstruation in the community and the possible interpretations regarding the prohibition that impedes women from playing the consecrated ilus in the ritual ceremonies.