characteristic of jongo is the use of symbols alongside the music, believed to have a variety of functions among which as magic items, as means of communications with spirits, or simply as means communication with other janguieiros. no matter what the intended function, these symbols add a level of mystique to the dance, and can in fact be used also to animate the performance. being african tradition based on the verbal transmission of knowledge and values from generation to generation, the presence of musical instruments became of vital importance.