The armorial movement, which emerged in the 70s in Brazil, was an artistic-cultural aspect of valuing the popular arts of the Northeast.
The main objective was to create a unique Brazilian art based on popular roots.
Conceived by the writer from Paraíba Arian Suassuna, this manifestation covered literature, music, dance, theater, plastic arts, architecture, cinema, etc.
Origin of armorial movement
From 1969 to 1974, Ariano Suassuna served as Director of the Department of Cultural Extension at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE).
It was with the support of this Department that Suassuna, together with other artists, created the armorial movement in October 18, 1970.
On the occasion, held at the Church of S. Pedro dos Clérigos in the center of Recife, there was an exhibition of popular arts and also a concert.
The central idea of the movement was to create high art from popular elements. From this perspective, the northeastern hinterland is valued through the wealth of cultural and artistic values.
Although it started in the academic realm, the movement has expanded. Later, it had support from the Recife City Hall and the Pernambuco State Education Secretariat.
In the words of Ariano Suassuna:
“Brazilian Armorial Art is one whose main common feature is the connection with the magical spirit of the "leaflets" of the Romanceiro Popular do Nordeste (Cordel Literature), with viola music, fiddle or fife that accompanies his "sings", and with the woodcut that illustrates his covers, as well as with the spirit and form of the Arts and popular shows with that same Romanceiro related.” (Newspaper, May 20, 1975)
string literature
THE literature of twine, an important literary manifestation typical of the Northeast, was a driving force for the consolidation of the armorial movement.
With a simple and uncompromising language, cordel literature explores everyday and popular themes.
Furthermore, this regional literary genre departs from literary canons as it is marketed in leaflets hanging from a rope (hence its name “cordel”).
It is important to highlight that this literary manifestation brings together other artistic forms, such as music and woodcuts.
This is because string literature is usually marketed by the writers themselves at popular fairs.
One way to sell your product is by singing the verses. In addition, the brochures are illustrated with woodcuts.
Thus, by bringing together several artistic manifestations into one, cordel literature was a fundamental element in the valorization of Brazilian popular art.
Note that, in addition to her, many other popular manifestations gained strength with the armorial movement. Folklore, festivals and popular dances, viola fashion, popular street theater and puppets, among others, stand out.
Main artists of the armorial movement
Some artists who stood out in the armorial movement were:
- Arian Suassuna (1927-2014): creator of the movement and writer from Paraíba.
- Francisco Brennand (1927): artist and ceramist from Pernambuco.
- Gilvan Samico (1928-2013): engraver, draftsman and painter from Pernambuco.
- Raimundo Carrero (1947): journalist and writer from Pernambuco.
- Antônio Madureira (1949): musician and composer from Rio Grande do Sul.
- Antônio Nóbrega (1952): artist and musician from Pernambuco.
Learn more about Northeast culture.
