Políticas de representação do património Guineense nos museus portugueses na transição do período colonial para o pós-colonial

: histórias, trânsitos e discursos

Abstract

The return of cultural heritage to the countries of origin is a central theme in contemporary debates, including in the context of Portugal and its former colonies. This thesis is part of postcolonial studies and finds in provenance studies a way of approaching the reparation of the colonial past. The research combines ethnography and museology to examine the dynamics between cultural objects collected during the colonial era in Guinea-Bissau and the institutions that preserve them today, both in Portugal and in their country of origin. Carried out over four years, the study reflects on the role of museums, heritage, and civil society in constructing alternative narratives. To understand the meanings attributed to these objects today, the first part analyzes the history of the museum collections, including the contexts in which they were collected, conserved, and exhibited. The second part focuses on the opinions of Guinean civil society, both residents of the country and members of the diaspora. This participatory approach challenges the dominant Eurocentric narrative. It places the voices of Bissau-Guineans at the center of the investigation into the value, role, and fate of these cultural goods. While important, the restitution of cultural property is not a priority for most Guinean respondents. Many opinions converge on the need for the creation of adequate infrastructures, the training of human resources, and the guarantee of the valorization of the cultural heritage in Guinea-Bissau. Others stress the importance of the presence of these objects in European museums. They represent the Guinean diaspora and identity abroad. These perceptions reflect a plural and complex vision that goes beyond a simple material transfer of cultural goods, proposing restitution as an act of financial and technical support. The research extends the debate on the return of cultural objects by questioning whether it is enough to heal the wounds of colonialism. It argues that embracing the plurality of voices and the role of heritage as a means of reconciliation and intercultural dialogue is essential to transcending physical and symbolic borders. It also suggests ways of managing heritage sustainably and representing local communities. It discusses the impact of culture, education, and globalization on constructing Guinean identity. The study emphasizes restitution as a political, cultural, and educational gesture and proposes alternatives based on cooperation and shared responsibility.

Date of Award	31 Mar 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Sponsors	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Supervisor	Laura Castro (Supervisor), Elsa Peralta (Co-Supervisor) & Eric Gable (Co-Supervisor)