Maria do Carmo Abecassis: A Mozambican Voice in Poetry

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Maria do Carmo Abecassis the Poet

Maria do Carmo Abecassis is somewhat limited, here's a deeper look into what we know about this Mozambican poet:

Early Life and Literary Debut

 Born in Lourenço Marques (present-day Maputo), Mozambique, Abecassis' exact birthdate remains unknown. Her parents were João Abecasis and Fernanda Le Cocq. She siblings were Alfredo, Carlota, João, and Fernanda. She married Cumbrera Correa.

 Her most celebrated work, "Em vez de asas tenho braços" (Instead of wings I have arms), was published in 1973. This collection offers a glimpse into her poetic voice and themes.

Themes in her Poetry

  "Instead of wings I have arms" suggests a focus on strength, resilience, and action. Perhaps her poems explore the realities of Mozambican life, the experiences of women, or the yearning for freedom and agency. However, you can check the analysis and poems of many Mozambique Poetry here.

Life Beyond Poetry

 There's a record of Abecassis working for the Portuguese newspaper "Expresso" in Lisbon in 1981. This suggests she might have resided in Portugal for some time. 

The Quest for More Information

Unfortunately, details about Abecassis' life after 1981 and the trajectory of her literary career are scarce. 

 Here are some Mozambican literary journals and publications from the 1970s and 1980s that might offer insights into Maria do Carmo Abecassis' work's reception:

 Cultura (Culture): This journal was founded in 1971 and served as a platform for Mozambican writers, poets, and artists during the country's fight for independence and the following years. It published poems, short stories, essays, and reviews, and it is likely that Abecassis' work or critical reception of her work appeared here.

 Nós (We): Established in 1950, Nós is one of the oldest Mozambican literary journals. While publication became irregular after Mozambique's independence in 1975, it still published some issues in the 1970s and 1980s. Abecassis' work might have appeared in these later issues.

 Colóquio/Letras (Colloquium/Letters): A Portuguese literary journal founded in 1977, Colóquio/Letras included works by Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) writers from around the world, including Mozambique. It's possible that Abecassis' poems or reviews of her work were featured here.

 Revista Tempo (Tempo Magazine): Founded in 1971, Revista Tempo was a weekly newsmagazine that also included cultural content, such as poems and literary criticism. Abecassis' work or reviews of her work might have appeared in the magazine's cultural section.

 مانيشتي (مانيشتي) - Manica (Manica): Published in Portuguese and Changana, a Mozambican language, Manica magazine focused on cultural expression and featured literary works. It's possible that Abecassis' work appeared here, especially if it addressed themes related to Mozambican cultural identity.

Abecassis' Legacy

Despite the limited information available, Maria do Carmo Abecassis stands as a significant figure in Mozambican literature. Her published collection, "Em vez de asas tenho braços", serves as a testament to her voice and the literary landscape of Mozambique. By continuing to research and unearth details about her life and work, we can gain a richer understanding of Mozambican poetry and the experiences it conveys.