History, Sociabilities and Resignifications: dimensions of the candy cartridge from Sul de Minas (MG, Brazil)

Abstract

This work is the result of reflections on the intertwining of “culture and development” themes from the perspective of small municipalities and/or local communities. More specifically, it is limited to understanding the socio-cultural elements present in the multiple dimensions – historical, socialization, production – of the candy cartridge from the South of Minas Gerais State, which give reason and meaning to the people and communities in which this practice is inserted. From this perspective, the objective of this research was to tell the story of the candy cartridge from South of Minas Gerais State from the cultural elements that relate to local development. The data collection was carried out in four ways: a survey of scientific productions in the databases; survey on the web of records that mentioned the presence of the cartridge; conversations with women who had historical and personal relationships with the candy cartridge; field observations at parties in the region and the cartridge production workshop. The strategy of confrontation between the empirical universe and the theoretical readings was chosen, evidencing the reports present in the material collected to formulate the theoretical arguments applicable to the studied reality. The paths traveled in search of knowing the candy cartridge led to the identification of the categories (i) history and aesthetics, (ii) relationships of sociability and identity, and (iii) resignifications for its preservation, which were told using the essay approach.