Acarajé as a symbol of cultural resistance: narratives about the knowledge of making and serving

Abstract

The research explores the transformations that acarajé has undergone since its origin, derived from the acará fritter brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. In addition to being a symbol of cultural resistance, acarajé was recognized as intangible cultural heritage in 2005 by the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN). This recognition was based on the cultural and religious significance of the craft of the baianas do acarajé, a trade originally performed by the ganhadeiras in the 18th and 19th centuries, and how these women evolved into the baianas do acarajé we know today. This study traces the historical journey of this dish, from its origins in Africa to its arrival in Brazil, taking into account a brief history of the transatlantic trade and its implications. In this context, the research aims to analyze acarajé as a symbol of cultural resistance and the narratives surrounding the knowledge of how to make and serve this dish. From a methodological perspective, it is a case study of a basic nature, with a qualitative approach, grounded in bibliographic research using a historical-comparative method. Therefore, throughout the development of this research, the answer was found through the bibliographies reviewed for the presentation of this work. Acarajé originates from the black-eyed pea fritter known as acará in Africa, which is part of Yoruba cuisine. It was brought by African people during the time of transatlantic trade, marked by slavery, both in Brazil and other countries in the Americas.