Alcances e limitações da patrimonialização dos bens de referência negra na cidade do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The founding myth of the Brazilian nation, based on the idea of racial democracy, underpins ethnic-racial, cultural, and social tensions in Brazil to this day. Much like society itself, public and private institutions reflect these same relations within their organizational and operational structures. Thus, this research aimed to understand the scope and limitations of the patrimonialization process of Black cultural heritage assets in the city of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on the heritage listing of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito dos Homens Pretos by the National Service of Historical and Artistic Heritage, associated with the Brotherhood of the same name. To achieve this, it was necessary to historically contextualize the emergence of the Black Men’s Brotherhoods, investigate the social and cultural aspects surrounding the formation of the Brotherhood of Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito dos Homens Pretos in Rio de Janeiro, examine public heritage policies at the federal, state, and municipal levels in Rio de Janeiro, and analyze the heritage listing process of the Church of Rosário e São Benedito. This study employed a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory research method based on extensive bibliographical and documentary research, allowing for the understanding that the preservation process should not exclude or silence other memories but rather ensure that this plurality enriches the public discourse. We hope this work contributes to reinforcing the need for preservation, conservation, and the enhancement of visibility and recognition regarding the history, memory, and culture of the Black population in Brazil.