Identidade nacional e patrimônio: a construção simbólica da nação

Abstract

This monograph takes as object historical moments of the construction of reference points of the Brazilian national identity. Recognizing the role of the State as protagonist in the creation of national symbols, the research indicated the political character of the processes of construction of national identity landmarks. From a theoretical perspective, the essay adopted a multidisciplinary approach: on one side, it tried to incorporate some contributions of historians who have worked on nations and national consciousness, social memory and commemorations; on the other, it used as support contemporary studies on cultural heritage and museums. The monograph presents six case studies about the symbolical construction of the nation: the Acclamation and Coronation of Pedro I, in 1822; the utilization of the romantic representation of the Indian as a national symbol during the Second Reign (1840-1889); official commissions of works of art depicting episodes of the Paraguayan War (1864-1870) as the origin of the cult of military national heroes; the institutionalization of Tiradentes as national hero by the first Republican government; the evolution of the cult to Caxias as patron of the Brazilian Army; and, last but not least, the reverence, since 1994, to the first Battle of Guararapes, fought in 1648, as the origin of both the Army and the nation. Synthetically analyzed, each one of these processes of symbolic construction is understood as political arenas, where different points of view reflect different interests and political objectives that fight against each other.