A geografia do povo Wassu Cocal de Alagoas: formação, Educação, território e produção do espaço

Abstract

This dissertation explores the history of the Wassu Cocal people of Alagoas, highlighting their remarkable resilience in the face of a history marked by territorial loss. Formed amidst the expansion of sugarcane plantations, the community faced deterritorialization and acculturation, which threatened their identity. Paradoxically, their forced participation in conflicts like the Quilombo dos Palmares and the Paraguayan War was crucial for consolidating their right to the current territory, which was officially demarcated by FUNAI in 1991. The unique trajectory of the Wassu Cocal people is defined by historical processes of violence and land loss, including attacks by bandeirantes and occupation by sugarcane mills. To reclaim their memory, rituals, and ancestors, the community relied on the narratives of their elders, who became guardians of their cultural identity. Currently, the Wassu Cocal village, located 84 km from Maceió, is spread across 19 nuclei in the Alagoas forest zone along the Camaragibe River. The population of 2,050 inhabitants is primarily composed of small-scale rural producers. Adopting a Human Geography perspective, this study deepens the historical analysis of the Wassu Cocal, investigating the social and public policies impacting the community and the production of their space. The research also focuses on the educational development of the Wassu people, emphasizing the role of early educators and collaborators in transmitting knowledge and preserving culture, despite limited resources. The dissertation aims to fill a gap in the literature, strengthen indigenous education, and serve as a resource for future academic research.