MAKING HERITAGE IN BRAZILIAN QUILOMBOS

the brazilian palmares cultural foundation has recognized 1,624 communities as remanescentes de quilombos, or remnants, of traditional black settlements. since 1988, the constitution has guaranteed these groups collective land titles, generating heated debate and conflict concerning authenticity, assimilation, and land rights. heritage has become an important vehicle for legitimizing identity and securing territory rights. i examine quilombola heritage in the sert？o, an area not popularly acknowledged as having a history of slavery or afro brazilian cultural traditions.