Académique Documents
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na década de 1930*
VIVALDO DA COSTA LIMA
O babalaô Martiniano
Eliseu do Bonfim
Nota
* Texto não integral de artigo inserido no livro intituladoCartas de Édson Carneiro a
Arthur Ramos, em que figuram como autores Waldir Freitas Oliveira e Vivaldo da
Costa Lima, publicado pela Editora Corrupio, em 1987. Autorizados pelo autor,
foram feitos os seguintes cortes: a apresentação inicial, aproximadamente seis pági-
nas, e 56 notas explicativas Os intertítulos foram colocados pela editoria de Estudos
Avançados. (Marco Antônio Coelho)
ABSTRACT – THIS ESSAY recalls the life and work of two eminent personalities of the
Candomble religion in Bahia in the 1830s: babalaô [Yoruba priest] Martiniano Eliseu
do Bonfim and ialorixá Eugênia Ana dos Santos, the renowned Aninha, spiritual director
and priestess of the Cruz Santa do Axé do Apo Afonjá Center.
Martiniano, born in Bahia, was the son of emancipated slaves. He was sent by his father
to study the Yoruba language and African traditions in Lagos, Nigeria, and upon returning
to Salvador, became a religious leader, maintaining close relationships with noted
intellectuals from Bahia. Aninha was another model figure among the religious commu-
nities of the terreiros [ritual grounds of the Candomble religion], who stood out for her
incontrovertible leadership ability. Both Martiniano and Aninha contributed to the huge
success of the Second Afro-Brazilian Congress held in Salvador in January 1937.