Our hands are sacred

Abstract

For the women of the Pankararu people, in the backlands of Pernambuco, being a midwife and bringing new lives into the world through their hands involves gift, courage, respect, knowledge, ancestry. The midwife, whose knowledge is transmitted orally, between generations, is responsible for helping other women to bring new members of their people into life, helping to maintain traditions and ways of being in the world. In September 2019, at Mãe Dôra's house, midwives and apprentices met to create a mural. “Our hands are sacred” accompanies this meeting, in which the meanings, meanings, established relationships and elements that constitute this office are revealed.