Marking women with branding irons: reflections about the musealization of the "cangaço"

Abstract

This paper examines some itineraries of the musealization of a "critical event" present in the field of history, museums and heritage in Brazil: the "cangaço". It observes how a crossing of "critical events" generates controversial speeches amalgamated in violence, death and pain. The aim is to highlight aspects of the trajectory of the "cangaceiro" José Baiano and of the violence against women and discuss the memories and silences of these narratives in museum exhibitions. It analyses the musealization of branding irons and photos of women who have had their faces violated as a motto to reflect on the construction of speeches in four Brazilian museums.

Keywords:
musealization; critical event; cangaço