Invisibility and Forgetfulness: Thales Azevedo's work and its importance in Brazilian Anthropology

Abstract

Within the institutionalized setting of Brazilian Anthropology, it seems that some authors are more to the forefront than others. Some have even been excluded, and therefore thoroughly “erased” from history. Thales de Azevedo is an example, among many others, of a figure who has undeservedly become less and less mentioned in academic circles. Nevertheless, his works deserve recognition for many reasons, one of them being the diversity of topics he addressed. From 1960 to 1980, Thales systematically ordered his studies on rituals, something to be emphasized in particular, since they differ from the classic reviews based on the broad categories of sacrifice, prayers, reciprocity, magic, etc. Thales de Azevedo started to focus his attention on other types of rituals: courtship (dating), engagement and flirting itself came to form part of his studies. The purpose of this study is to show through part of his work how important his works are to Brazilian anthropology, and to try to link this discussion to broader issues related to the invisibility of some authors and works in the national scenario.