Power in Practice

<p> Considering the concept of power in capoeira an Afro-Brazilian ritual art form Varela describes ethnographically the importance that capoeira leaders (<em>mestres</em>) have in the social configuration of a style called Angola in Bahia Brazil. He analyzes how individual power is essential for an understanding of the modern history of capoeira and for the themes of embodiment play cosmology and ritual action. The book also emphasizes the great significance that creativity and aesthetic expression have for capoeira's practice and performance.</p>