INGÁ STONE, FATHER SUMÉ, AND THE POSSIBLE CONNECTION TO THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT OF THE FLOOD

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The Pedra do Ingá, one of the most important archaeological sites in Brazil, located in the state of Paraíba, features rock inscriptions that have sparked the interest of researchers, enthusiasts, and scholars from various fields. Among the many interpretations, theories emerge linking these inscriptions to biblical accounts, such as the Genesis flood, and to Indigenous legends about the figure of Pai Sumé, a mythical being said to have left marks and teachings across Brazilian territory. Popular music has also embraced this mystery, as exemplified in the song “Segredos de Sumé” by Zé Ramalho, which references Pai Sumé in a narrative rich with symbols. This article seeks to explore the connections between the Pedra do Ingá, Pai Sumé, and biblical accounts, analyzing both the archaeological and cultural perspectives, including elements of Northeastern oral and musical traditions. While intriguing, the links between these elements remain within the realm of speculation.