For a decolonial perspective on Brazilian cultural heritage

Abstract

The phenomenon of selection and protection of cultural assets stems from a Eurocentric theoretical construction, developed in the process of the formation of Modern States, when the cultural heritage of heterogeneous peoples was forcibly unified under the supposed unity of a Nation-State. In this sense, even in former colonies, the guardianship of cultural heritage traditionally occurs from a colonialist perspective, often reproducing the logic of monumentality and exceptionality. However, after the promulgation of the 1988 Constitution, there is a legal basis for revising the epistemological perspective of the process of cultural heritage preservation, now through a decolonial reinterpretation with the protection of cultural heritage over artistic-historical, with the reference to groups shaping Brazilian society as a key element, rather than the pursuit of a national heritage, as well as with the elevation of intangible assets to the status of selectable cultural heritage. This article aims to demonstrate that the interpretation of Article 216 of the Federal Constitution allows a decolonial reinterpretation of the Brazilian cultural heritage institute, its protection, and promotion by the State, in order to move away from the Eurocentric perspective of the traditional approach to the subject.

Key-words: Cultural heritage; decolonial; cultural rights; State