The puppet and the mask as a social function in the Southeast folk festivities

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5965/2595034702322025017

Keywords:

mask, wood carving, scraper, percussion, epiphany procession

Abstract

The article addresses the use of masks and sculptures in the traditional folguedos (folk festivities) of the Southeast region, focusing on the Folia de Reis (Epiphany procession) and the Guarda de Congo (Congo Guard) of Espírito Santo (ES). In the first case, we discuss the mask in the Folia de Reis procession, both for the clowns or marungos, and for the Three Wise Men characters. In the second case, we discuss the percussive instrument called casaca. Typical of Espírito Santo, this reco-reco (scraper) with a doll's head is specific to the congo bands, and has features that could be considered mamulengo figures (hand puppets), due to being made of wood and having comical features.

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Author Biography

Rafael Sol, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais

He is an art educator and the founder of the Fulô do XicXic Mamulengo Theater, based in the city of Brumadinho-MG. He is a member of ATEBEMG and the Minas Gerais Folklore Commission (Comissão Mineira de Folclore). He lived and worked alongside masters such as Chico Daniel, Saúba, Zé Lopes, and Zé de Vina, from whom he learned the codes of the "brinquedo" (a term for the popular street performance/puppet show). Today, he seeks mechanisms for funding to circulate with his troupe throughout the state of Minas Gerais, as well as at festivals.

References

BARROSO, Oswald. A máscara: do teatro ritual ao teatro brincante. Fortaleza: Armazém de Cultura, 2015.

CANCLINI, Néstor García. Culturas híbridas: estratégias para entrar e sair da modernidade. 4. ed. São Paulo: Edusp, 2008.

CHOAY, Françoise. A alegoria do patrimônio. São Paulo: Estação Liberdade, 2001.

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Published

2026-01-12

How to Cite

SOL, Rafael. The puppet and the mask as a social function in the Southeast folk festivities. Móin-Móin Magazine - Studies in the Art of Puppetry, Florianópolis, v. 2, n. 32, p. 17–29, 2026. DOI: 10.5965/2595034702322025017. Disponível em: https://revistas.udesc.br/index.php/moin/article/view/28191. Acesso em: 13 jan. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 32 (2025): The Stage of Celebration: Rituals, Festivities, and Community

Section

Dossiê Temático

License

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