Abstract
This article begins with a description of Dorival Caymmi´s funeral and an ethnographic description of his last place of residence, in Rio de Janeiro. Guided not only by classical notions of body and personhood, but also by concepts deriving from Brazilian candomblé, I then discuss the public image of this famous popular musician, subdividing it and multiplying it into various analytical entities. Having presented the personas and what I have called cross-cutting themes related to Caymmi´s life and oeuvre, I reflect on an emic category, essential for him and Afro-Brazilian cults: silence. I conclude the article by considering a few questions usually involved in narrative settings, recollections or historical testimonies.
Key words:
Dorival Caymmi; Notions of person and body; Silence and secret; Afro-Brazilian cults