Cabacal Band
(Manoel Graciano Cardoso, 2001)

Manoel Graciano Cardoso is one of Ceará's oldest and most respected folk artists. Born in 1920 in Santana do Cariri, by age 10 he was making bowls, mortars and pestles and other utilitarian objects, learning from "nature." This work represents the typical band of five musicians (two flutes, two drums and one cymbal), who play and dance at local festivals and community celebrations in the sertão cattle country. Graciano´s son, Francisco is also a skilled artist.

—Félix Ángel, Curator, IDB Cultural Center