O centro Bom Jesus de Nazaré no sítio Jacuba em Natividade, Tocantins: das territorialidades ao território do devir?

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the socio-territorial aspects of the Bom Jesus de Nazaré Center in Sítio Jacuba, located in Natividade, Tocantins, considering the life experiences, identity, religiosity, and territoriality present in the Center led by Romana Pereira da Silva, popularly known as Mãe Romana. The goal is to determine whether it can be considered a territory of Becoming (Devir). Known for her mediumistic gifts and the creation of the Center, Mãe Romana developed a unique spirituality that combines elements of Indigenous, African, Kardecist, Catholic, and other traditions. She believes in the “levante da Terra” (Earth's uprising), a cosmic transformation in which the planet's axis will realign, ushering in a new era for Earth. She built the Center as a “foundation” to prepare humanity for this event, using stone pieces and spiritual rituals. Her mission is to ensure that, after the uprising, Earth becomes a paradise, free from pain, envy, and death, where life will be eternal and fulfilling.The Center is a sacred space that transcends religious traditions, serving as a place of residence, spiritual practices, and connection with spirituality. Sítio Jacuba is an inheritance from Marcolino Pereira (Mãe Romana's father) to his children, who established deep roots in this territory. Marcolino, descended from enslaved Africans, brought with him a rich African cultural heritage, while Romana's mother, Luiza Pereira, descended from the Akroás Indigenous people, contributed Indigenous knowledge and traditions. The methodological approach adopted is exploratory, using a qualitative methodology that includes interviews with participants, field visits, and a solid bibliographic foundation. This work is necessary to understand Sítio Jacuba as a territory of Becoming, as well as to identify the existence of a communal identity or whether the land is seen merely as property. As a territory marked by Indigenous and African cultures, it is essential to understand what type of territory Sítio Jacuba represents, with the hypothesis that it is a new type of territory, characterized by cultural hybridity. This research is fundamental for understanding the importance of studying the elements of the territory and the social trajectories present in Sítio Jacuba. In addition to filling a gap in the field of Geography by addressing a rarely explored theme, the research also seeks to understand the existing territorial boundaries, which have not yet been addressed in any study. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the cultural legacy of Mãe Romana in Tocantins is manifested in the creation of the Bom Jesus de Nazaré Center, a sacred space that goes beyond religious traditions, integrating collective experiences and spiritual practices of the community. Sítio Jacuba is seen as a territory of Becoming, dynamic and constantly transforming, which houses diverse beliefs and cultural expressions. Although Mãe Romana is a leader, her younger sister, Dona Felisberta Pereira, also exerts significant influence, particularly in the quilombola demarcation process. Thus, Sítio Jacuba not only preserves ancestral traditions but also reinvents them, reflecting the community's resilience in keeping its identity and spirituality alive.