The Moringa, Dengo, and Memory

An Examination of Aesthetics, Orality, and Affect in the Works of Ana Fátima and Fernanda Rodrigues

Abstract

This article analyzes the children's book Os dengos na moringa de voinha, by Ana Fátima and Fernanda Rodrigues, through the lens of the aesthetic experience proposed by Jorge Larrosa. The study investigates how the narrative weaves together orality, family tradition, and affective ancestry, creating a literary space where memory and affection are intertwined. The research delves into the relationship between text and image, highlighting the moringa (a traditional clay water jug) as a central and symbolic object in evoking childhood memories and everyday gestures of care. The poetic language reinforces the sensitive dimension of the narrative, connecting elements of Afro-Brazilian culture to identity formation and the appreciation of Black lived experiences. The analysis also emphasizes how the graphic design, in dialogue with the illustrations, expands the meanings of the story, fostering a multisensory and affective reading experience. The work is interpreted as a promoter of Black childhood representation, bringing to light historically marginalized experiences and strengthening collective memory through literary art. It is argued that Os dengos na moringa de voinha offers a powerful aesthetic experience, serving as a tool for reading mediation and cultural recognition, contributing to the discussion on the role of children's literature in valuing Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage and in forming sensitive and critical readers.

Keywords: Children's Literature. Memory. Affectivity. Children's Illustration.  Ancestry.