Casa das Minas, Afro-Brazilian temple in São Luís, Brazil.
Casa das Minas is an Afro-Brazilian temple in the historic center of São Luís with two main buildings connected by walls. The complex includes spaces for communal meals and religious ceremonies that take place throughout the year.
The temple was founded in the 1840s by Maria Jesuína, a woman from present-day Benin who brought religious practices from her homeland. This Tambor de Mina tradition became established in northeastern Brazil from that point forward.
The temple preserves spiritual traditions brought by its founders that remain visible in how people gather and perform ceremonies today. Women lead the religious rituals while men contribute through drumming and instrumental music.
The temple sits in the lively historic quarter, easily reached on foot among colonial buildings and local streets. Visitors should approach respectfully and check ahead for times when the site welcomes outsiders.
Much of the temple holds handmade objects and artworks that tell stories about the founders' home countries and spiritual traditions. These items are displayed throughout the building and offer visitors a direct glimpse into this history.
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