Terreiro

[teˈhejru]

MASCULINE NOUN

1.  yard, square, unpaved area, cleared land

2. (de macumba) shrine

 

macumba

[maˈkũba]

FEMININE NOUN

1. voodoo

2. macumba offering
 

The floor and soil in the installation symbolize Brazilian territory, consecrated in rituals (videos below). In Brazil, 'Terreiro' is a term used to describe the church or temple of African diasporic religions like Candomblé and Umbanda. Practitioners often gather in a circle or 'roda' to worship their deities. Other significant circles in Brazilian culture include the 'roda de samba' (samba circle) and 'roda de capoeira' (capoeira circle). Speaking of capoeira, I offered a workshop with Mestre Capixaba.

 

All items on the altar were crafted by Brazilian artists and chosen from Robert Wilson’s collection, except for the drums, the Egyptian chair by Carlo Bugatti from around 1900, and the Nepal praying figure. Drums are pivotal in Brazilian culture, embodying the essence of samba, capoeira, and African diasporic religions.

 

Ticunas dolls, wooden figures, represent the Ticunas indigenous people of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, the largest tribe in the Brazilian Amazon. Both Ticunas boys and girls engage with these dolls as part of their play activities. Three figurines symbolize Preto-Velhos (old black men), spirits of deceased African or Brazilian slaves known for their wisdom, kindness, and benevolence. The ceramic cube is an artwork by Brazilian artist Maristella Gaudio. The blue/yellow Indigenous Headdress signifies protection against negative energies and evil spirits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus, personal flexibility, and the pursuit of new knowledge. The red Melissa shoes represent a revolutionary brand from Brazil that has redefined footwear since 1979 with avant-garde designs. Melissa's ethos of accessible luxury and pop-luxury drives their constant innovation in expressing new ideas."

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This project was supported by The Watermill Center during my residency in March 2024. Images by Phillip Lehans, courtesy of The Watermill Center.