An Anthropologist in the Samba School

Enredo Research in Rio de Janeiro's Carnival

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48006/2358-0097/V10N2.E102009

Keywords:

Carnival, Samba School, Enredo Research

Abstract

This article analyzes the author's trajectory as a researcher in the universe of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, with an emphasis on her transition from the role of participant observer to that of enredo (plot) researcher for the Estação Primeira de Mangueira samba school. This mobility allows for reflections on the different dimensions of ethnographic practice when the roles of researcher and professional intertwine, in addition to offering a unique opportunity to analyze the still little-studied profession of enredo researcher in samba schools. The text addresses the author's entry as a volunteer in the school's workshop, the observed work dynamics and social relations, and the analysis extends to the impact of the pandemic and the transformations that occurred between 2020 and 2022, culminating in the author's transition to the role of school researcher. The article provides an in-depth reflection on the profession of enredo researcher, exploring its multiple dimensions, challenges, and transformations amidst the growing professionalization of samba schools.

Author Biography

Sthefanye Silva Paz, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Museu Nacional

Doutoranda em Antropologia Social no Museu Nacional (UFRJ), Mestra em Ciências Sociais (UFRRJ) e Licenciada em Ciências Sociais (UFRRJ). Realiza pesquisas sobre trajetória de mediadores culturais através da interseção das categorias de juventudes, religião e música negra. Atualmente é Bolsista CAPES de Doutorado e também foi bolsista do Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência entre 2012 e 2013. Suas áreas de interesse se concentram na Antropologia da Religião e na Antropologia Urbana.

References

BARBIERI, Ricardo José de Oliveira. 2009. “Cidade do Samba: do barracão de escolas às fábricas de carnaval”. In: CAVALCANTI, Maria Laura; GONÇALVES, Renata (orgs.). Carnaval em múltiplos planos. Rio de Janeiro: Aeroplano. pp 125-144.

BORA, Leonardo Augusto. 2021. “Glória a quem trabalha o ano inteiro?”: notas sobre os “barracões” do carnaval carioca”. PragMATIZES - Revista Latino-Americana De Estudos Em Cultura, 11 (21): 24-47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22409/pragmatizes.v11i21.49499

CAVALCANTI, Maria Laura Viveiros de Castro. 2006. Carnaval carioca: dos bastidores ao desfile. Rio de Janeiro: Editora UFRJ.

GOLDWASSER, Maria Julia. 1975. O Palácio do Samba: Estudo Antropológico da Escola de Samba Estação Primeira de Mangueira. Rio de Janeiro: Zahar.

PAZ, Sthefanye Silva. Enredos, funções e trabalhos: produção carnavalesca e práticas religiosas no barracão da Mangueira. 2025. 267 f. Tese (Doutorado em Antropologia Social). Programa de Pós-Graduação em Antropologia Social, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Downloads

Published

2025-04-06

How to Cite

Silva Paz, S. (2025). An Anthropologist in the Samba School: Enredo Research in Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. Novos Debates, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.48006/2358-0097/V10N2.E102009

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Craft

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Novos Debates

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.

Open Access Statement

Novos Debates is an open access journal. We do not charge any fee for the publication of articles or for access to our issues. All our content, unless otherwise indicated, is licensed under Creative Commons Brazil Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0 BR).

You are free to:
– Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
– Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially
– The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.

Under the following terms:
– Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
– No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.