The Interrelation of Ancestry and Aspects Involved in the Development of Quilombola Crafts from Ouricuri Straw

Introduction: Ancestry acts as a link between different stories and generations, highlighting the importance of individuals in this process, in addition to highlighting the cultural aspects and historicity of a people. An example of this is the quilombola handicrafts made from Ouricuri straw in the Alagamar community, in the municipality of Pirambu, located in the state of Sergipe, which is highly relevant to this region. The aspects involved in the development of handicrafts made from Ouricuri straw highlight, especially, its characteristics, production and commercialization processes, which characterize how relevant and significant this artisanal practice is for the Alagamar quilombola community. The objective of this article was to identify the aspects interconnected with ancestry, history, characteristics, production and commercialization processes in the Alagamar Quilombola Community in Pirambu/SE for the development of handicrafts made with Ouricuri straw. The methodology of this study consists of exploratory research, whose approach is qualitative and quantitative, through bibliographic research, interviews and application of questionnaires. The results demonstrate that handicrafts are an indicator of tourism and local development. Furthermore, handicrafts are an aspect that highlights the culture of the place, which is exported to other regions of Brazil. However, although artisans have standardized methods of production, from extraction to the finished handcrafted piece, planning is still required to commercialize the products, through association and sales channels in digital spaces, with the aim of creating greater added value for handcrafted materials. Objective: The objective of this article was to identify the aspects interconnected with ancestry, history, characteristics, production and commercialization processes in the Alagamar Quilombola Community in Pirambu/SE for the development of handicrafts made with Ouricuri straw. Theoretical Framework: The History and Ancestry of the Quilombola Community and Aspects for the development of handicrafts from Ouricuri straw, which addresses the characteristics, production processes, commercialization and development in the Alagamar village in Pirambu/SE. Method: The methodology of this study consists of exploratory research, whose approach is qualitative and quantitative, through bibliographic research, interviews and application of questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with the perspective of understanding the history, ancestry, techniques and modes of production, through the experiences and stories transmitted from generation to generation. Regarding the methodological procedures, bibliographic research and field research were used to obtain the results. The research population for consolidation of the results were the families associated with the village of Alagamar, in the municipality of Pirambu/SE, presenting a quantity of 182 families that are part of the Association of the Territory of the Remnant Community of Quilombo Alagamar (ASTECORQUAL). Of these families, 76 responded to the survey. Results and Discussion: The results presented are based on the analysis of data obtained through questionnaires, and the questionnaires and interviews were semi-structured, with objective and subjective questions. In order to understand the history and ancestry of the Alagamar community, we sought to understand these achievements through the oldest artisans in the community. To this end, based on the interviews about ancestry and history, according to the artisans, the community is over 200 years old, and they are remnants of a quilombo and are currently recognized. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed. Based on the data collected, it is clear that the village of Alagamar in Pirambu is an example of how history and ancestry intertwine to form a community rich in culture and tradition, reflecting the diversity that characterizes the state of Sergipe. In recent years, the village of Alagamar has faced some challenges, but it presents opportunities for development, especially with regard to tourism, which has been strengthened by its crafts. The increased interest in cultural tourism has led to the appreciation of local traditions and the strengthening of the community identity of the quilombola people in the municipality of Pirambu. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature, as it shows that, given this scenario, there is a need for organization and planning regarding the stock of raw materials, finished products, and forms of marketing, aiming at adapting to the current market, with management tools that assist in the practicality of selling their products and in their promotion to other regions of Brazil.