Communications of the spirits : Umbanda, regional cults in Manaus and dynamics of mediumistic trance

Spirit cults constitute an important element of Brazilian society. One of these, Umbanda, has in recent decades achieved prominence nationally. A historical survey of cult groups in Manaus shows that although they have always been in a state of change, they have recently been experiencing a period of accelerated transformation under the influence of Umbanda. This study documents the development of Umbanda in Manaus.This is done in two steps. First, by analyzing the history of Umbanda it becomes evident that it has not only amalgamated a number of religious traditions, but still today continues to encompass numerous regional cults. Several authors suggest that urbanization and industrialization have advanced the spread of Umbanda. This thesis shows that while this is indeed the case, the integration of Umbanda beliefs and practices into the cult life of the region is effected by a particular form of mediumistic trance.As a second step, an analysis of trance as a dynamic feature of Umbanda reveals how this occurs. The trance forms the pivotal point of communicative events in Umbanda; it gives rise to a special form of leadership based on the communications of the spirits and which functions through a medium's or leader's manipulation of "public" (generally accepted) and "private" (personal) elements of cult knowledge. Because it gives a central position to innovation and individual elaboration, the Umbanda trance form allows full freedom for the incorporation of practices from local cult groups. The resulting process of mutual assimilation between regional cults and Umbanda holds implications for cultists both as individuals and as members of a socio-economic group