Ferronlandia: Glass Cases and Crystal Water

If there was a perfect day trip in Ferronlandia, this would be it. A slightly flighty (but charming) ex-pat mentioned a folk art museum to me the other day, "Near the beach and a fabulous collection! Started by a frenchman. Called... something that starts with a bonta- or ponta- or something." Casa do Pontal is the name, a folk art enthusiats's dream AND it's five minutes away from here:

Not into folk art? Still a great place to learn about Brazilian festivals and traditions, and the museum itself is beautiful. It's about an hour from Rio's tourist district, but the trip is well worth it for some peace and quiet (and we passed this freaky mall called New York that has a giant replica of the statue of liberty. Really? You think we're that cool?) Follow the signs and a guide will greet you at the door and in perfect English give you the lowdown.

The frenchman is Jacques Van de Beuque, who traveled to Brazil and fell in love with the folk art of the northeast. He landed a job as an exhibitionist and started his own collection. Of a modest 8,000 pieces. The result is a museum with beautiful photo murals, videos and profiles of the artists, and an extensive collection of clay art, masks, costumes, and paper mache crafts.

The bulk of the museum consists of these adorable, small clay sculptures (similar to Ocumicho in Mexico for y'all that have been to my house) depicting daily life in Brazil in all of its forms. They're divided by theme: professions and activities (hunting/fishing, giving birth, adam & eve- you know, the usual). Not to be missed is the erotic art section- freeeeaky! And, of course, what would be a scene in Brazil without music and movement? Some of the clay sculptures, many of them elaborate village and carnaval scenes, come to life with the push of a button. Makes you wish you could live in a glass case. Kinda.(Sidenote: No photos allowed in the museum, the mask room was the only one without a camera:))

Hop back on the road and in ten minutes you'll arrive to Prainha Beach. Small, calm waters, and all the perks of a Brazilian beach (and by that I mean food service). Wanna see the menu?