ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all, I would like to thank my Grandmothers, my Grandfathers, my Mother, and my Father, among the Kariri-Shoco, for all the blessings, for all the strength that they gave me to concentrate on my work and to continue focusing, despite the difficulties and sufferings which are experienced during the whole process of researching and writing within my academic studies. My gratitude is also immense to so many friends that I have found among the Kariri-Shoco, who made me feel part of their world through their blessings, through their knowledge, and through their kindness. I am especially grateful to Dona Marieta, who embraced me with so much love, and Dona Maria Velha, who was so patient and kind with my work. I am sure wherever they are now, they have joined enchanted beings in the cosmos. I thank Paje Julio and Cacique Cicero, for trusting me and allowing me to conduct ethnographic research among their people. I thank Candara for letting me know and witness how hard is the work and responsibility of the Kariri-Shoco prayer-healer shaman with other peoplesâ€&#x; health, as well as for the respect that he and his children (Kenedy and Dulcilene) had for my research. I thank Frederico for the attention and understanding he gave to my work. I also feel grateful to Mr. Herpidio, Chiquinho, Mr. Zeca, and Mr. Ze Tenorio, for all their consideration and respect that they gave to my work and me. I thank Vanda, who is a Kariri-Shoco midwife, for her friendship. I am thankful to Dona Zezinha, Dona Chiquinha, Dona Maria Curi, Dona Ivete, Dona Especilia, and so many other Kariri-Shoco Grandmothers, who receive and give so many blessings to all Godâ€&#x;s persons and Godâ€&#x;s children. I am so grateful to Baioca for letting me know how powerful and strong a shaman she is and also to let me see how much goodness she
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