Conversation wheels at CASACOR SP dive into the knowledge of native peoples

The graphics on the facade signal the purpose of the building located just a few meters from the Parque da Água Branca: each of the eight stripes – which can be seen from afar – refers to the art, tradition, and ancestry of the groups represented by the Museum of Indigenous Cultures. Focused on collectivity, the institution, inaugurated in 2022 and connected to the Secretariat of Culture, Economy and Creative Industries of the Government of the State of São Paulo, celebrates the diversity, strength, and knowledge of Brazil's native populations. Furthermore, it claims its protagonism in both curation and direction. “There are indigenous objects and artifacts all over the world, but we are never at the forefront presenting our perspective. This museum – which we call Tauá, house of transformation –, a result of the struggle of Guarani women, is something never seen before,” states Leandro Karaí Mirim, of Guarani origin, communications superintendent of the organization. With the intention of showcasing these narratives with authority, the management innovates with a unprecedented shared model, which includes the Aty Mirim Council (with participants from seven ethnic groups – Guarani M’bya, Guarani Nhandeva, Tupi-Guarani, Kaingang, Krenak, Pankararu, and Terena) and the social organization ACAM Portinari, in partnership with the Maracá Institute. This governance reflects the practices of these communities and ensures their collaboration in all stages of the museological process, in a way to break with a colonial perspective. “We have the right to contemporaneity. Our history cannot be eternally memorialized in the past,” comments Karaí.

Indigenous people in command

The exhibitions reaffirm this purpose. For example, when addressing the relationship between humans and the Atlantic Forest – called in Guarani, Nhe’ē ry, meaning “where the spirits bathe” – the curation recovers the sacred dimension of the forests. After all, in indigenous traditions, every vegetal, animal, or mineral being possesses wisdom, and the original peoples are the guardians of these areas. Protection would also extend to urban territories, according to Karaí. “It may be that everything here has been devastated, but we still live in the biome of the Atlantic Forest, right?” he questions.

Educators called masters of knowledge guide the public from the perspective of their nations, fostering relationships. “This is not a space to merely see the artifacts. The proposal is to be with the indigenous people, the artists, the curation...,” explains architect Hugo Reis Ribas, responsible for the renovation and implementation of the building and, now, maintenance and facilities supervisor. “Moreover: no specialist can understand the spirituality of an object. It is not a matter of religion, but rather of culture. When we present a piece here, we commit to dialoguing with a certain cosmovision,” reinforces Karaí. The richness of these reflections permeates the four conversation circles organized within CASACOR biweekly, always on Thursdays, in the months of June and July. The initiative, gestated participatively over months, received the approval of the 37 members of the Aty Mirim Council. Mediator of the meetings, Karaí shares that the goal is to traverse the territories of knowledge and ancient habits, give visibility to the indigenous cause, and encourage respect among all people – issues directly linked to this year's exhibition theme. “When I attended public university, I understood that we have our own epistemology – and that is what we want to show. I feel honored to live this historic moment of discussing our culture at CASACOR,” he concludes. Admission to the circles will be free, upon prior registration. However, spots are limited! Therefore, stay tuned for the announcement of dates and times on the website and on the Instagram.