Permeando teares e vivências: as transformações urbanas e os circuitos da fabricação das redes de dormir em São Bento/PB na ótica dos populares (1960-1990).

Abstract

The work of weaving hammocks for sleeping is a living characteristic of the city of São Bento/PB. It is the economic activity responsible for most jobs and income in this city. The process of fabrication of hammocks was initially able to involve families, then other kinship, friendships and lastly, the economic layers of the city. Since that time, it has become the main source of income for the residents for at least the last three decades. The goal of this research is, intimately, to reflect and tackle some specific aspects concerning the urban transformations occurred in the city of São Bento due to the process of mechanization of the fabrication of hammocks, according to the memories and shared experiences of the residents. The time frame here established considers the time it took for the process to be mechanized and extend its borders of commerce. Using this time frame, we are going to analyze the expansion of technical innovations due to the incorporation of mechanical devices, the transmission of the working environment to a urban one and the dissolution of the "family industry" in the process of the mechanization of the fabrication of hammocks. This research will be conduct through Oral History by analyzing the personal oral reports of people, in diverse social spheres, who are or were involved in the production of this textile product. Using the methodology of Oral History, we interviewed nine residents, five man and four women. The interviews are divided in two groups. The first is composed of five testimonials given in 2015. The latter is composed of four testimonials given in the year 2018. We try to develop a narrative based on these oral reports considering the relation of history, memory and time, since memory is the main oral source and where there can be found multiple temporal, individual, spatial and collective variables which dialogue between themselves.