Publications
Paisagem Linguística da “zona velha” da cidade do Funchal: considerações históricas e sociolinguísticas
A linguistic landscape analysis of the historic 'Zona Velha' district in Funchal, Madeira, reveals significant British influence on local signage, particularly in commercial and tourism sectors. The study identified 216 linguistic signs, distinguishing between public/governmental (top-down) and private/industrial (bottom-up) sources. Top-down signs reflect historical British occupation's socio-political and economic impact, while bottom-up signs highlight the city's tourist-driven linguistic diversity. This approach, using Ben-Rafael et al.'s (2006) methodology, underscores how colonial history and tourism shape urban linguistic landscapes in UNESCO-listed sites.
Situação fundiária e conservação de imóveis em centros históricos: o caso do bairro da Cidade Velha - Belém (PA).
Over half of the properties (55.85%) and nearly 45% of buildings in Belém's historic Cidade Velha district lack documented land ownership records, raising concerns for urban conservation. This study reveals that while 'traspasse' (a form of land transfer) is the most common property regime (41.5%), properties under this system show better preservation than those acquired through 'resgate' (redemption). Alarmingly, 59.5% of buildings are either abandoned, in ruins, or in poor to regular condition, suggesting a critical need for intervention. The research combines bibliographic analysis, geoprocessing, and documentary review to map land tenure regimes and conservation status, highlighting the tension between municipal and federal authorities over 'terrenos de marinha' (maritime lands) as a key barrier to heritage preservation in this UNESCO-listed site.
Carta Arqueológica da Cidade Velha: Uma primeira abordagem
A pioneering archaeological map of Cidade Velha reveals authentic vestiges that trace the site's cultural diversity and historical trajectory, particularly its 16th and 17th-century urban expansion. The study identifies and inventories all remnants within the protected area, encompassing the Ribeira Grande valley and historic center, offering critical insights for conservation efforts. This first approach to archaeological mapping provides a foundational element for understanding and preserving the site's rich heritage, highlighting its significance as a primordial populated area.
Trabalhos arqueológicos na Cidade Velha (Ribeira Grande de Santiago, Cabo Verde): reflexões sobre um projecto de investigação e divulgação patrimonial
Archaeological excavations in Cidade Velha, Cape Verde's former 16th–17th century Atlantic trading hub and slave trade center, revealed new insights into the city's urban layout and abandonment by the 18th century. Focusing on Rua da Banana—a key thoroughfare—and the historic Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, researchers uncovered data on housing patterns and religious architecture. The study, linked to Cape Verde’s Museum of Archaeology, combined excavation with educational outreach, offering a rare glimpse into the city's layered history as both a maritime power and a site tied to transatlantic slavery.
A pesca artesanal na Cidade Velha num contexto de patrimonialização do espaço
Artisanal fishing in Cidade Velha, Cabo Verde, persists as the predominant livelihood activity despite the city's UNESCO World Heritage status. This study reveals that local fishermen employ simple yet effective strategies to navigate dual constraints—environmental regulations and heritage preservation—ensuring the continuity of their traditional practice. By analyzing the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and sustainable resource use, researchers highlight how communities adapt to patrimonialization without compromising their economic foundation. The findings underscore the resilience of artisanal fishing as both a cultural pillar and an adaptive survival tactic in heritage-protected urban spaces.
An Early Christian Church in the Tropics: Excavation of the N.ª S.ª da Conceição, Cidade Velha, Cape Verde
Excavations at the historic site of Cidade Velha, Cape Verde, have revealed the earliest known European-built Christian church in the Tropics. The N.ª S.ª da Conceição, dating back to the early 16th century, was reconstructed as a large, two-storey structure with distinct architectural features such as a vaulted side-chapel and buttressed corners. Two tombstones found within its floor provide further evidence of its antiquity. This discovery sheds light on the early Christian presence in tropical regions during the colonial period.
A Place of History: Archaeology and Heritage at Cidade Velha, Cape Verde
Cidade Velha, Cape Verde's historic center, stands as a stark reminder of its past as a thriving but slavery-based transshipment hub. Archaeological and social research reveals how the town's fortified architecture, once a symbol of colonial power, reflects the brutal infrastructure sustaining trans-Atlantic trade. Interviews with local residents highlight lingering effects of this history on contemporary attitudes toward heritage. The study combines historical analysis with archaeological findings to shed light on the complex legacy of slavery in Cape Verde.
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