EVERYDAY LIFE AT THE “BOUNDARY BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH”: gravediggers narratives in Gavião Cemetery São Luís/MA

Abstract

This article presents the universe of Gavião Cemetery, as a farewell place characterized by the border between life and death. However, we chose gravediggers as research subjects; and it is from their narratives that this universe will be presented. In this way, the objective of this study is to analyze the day-to-day issues and the meanings constructed by the gravediggers themselves who experience the daily life of the Cemetery. For a better understanding of the purpose of this article, the methodology was carried out in two ways. The first being a bibliographical approach with references to articles, books and dissertations; however, the study deepens in the empirical aspect, because throughout the article, full of photographs as a methodological tool of analysis(s) and, mainly, we make use of the methodology of oral history, from the narratives of these professionals, allowing us to know stories hitherto silenced. Based on the narratives, it was possible to perceive the idea of belonging that professionals have with Gavião Cemetery, the emotions intrinsic to the work of being witnesses of the farewell. Finally, it was possible to understand how these professionals, who do not have professional psychological follow-up, deal daily with this load of emotions and the relationships of affection established in that environment.