Heritage Sites: How Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous Communities Leverage Archaeology and Architecture to Protect Their Histories and Challenge the Hegemonic Heritage Discourse

During the construction for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, the Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site reemerged as a significant historical landmark, representing the main port of entry for enslaved Africans in the Americas. This study highlights how Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous communities are leveraging archaeology and architecture to protect their histories and challenge dominant heritage narratives. The research focuses on the resurfacing of the Valongo Wharf in 2011 and the state government's attempt to demolish the Museu do Índio, a site crucial for discussing and promoting Brazilian Indigenous cultures. By analyzing these events, the study underscores the communities' agency in preserving their heritage against hegemonic discourses, offering insights into the intersection of archaeology, architecture, and cultural resistance.

Querin, C. (2020). Heritage Sites: How Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous Communities Leverage Archaeology and Architecture to Protect Their Histories and Challenge the Hegemonic Heritage Discourse. Latin American and Latinx Visual Culture, 2(1), 82–91. https://doi.org/10.1525/lavc.2020.210007