Thoughts on decolonial curatorship: the “Nhande Mbya Reko – Nosso jeito de ser guarani” exhibition

Abstract

In this paper, we describe and analyze the “Nhande Mbya Reko – Nosso jeito de ser guarani” exhibition at the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia at the Universidade Federal do Paraná (Brazil) in 2018. A series of theoretical and proactive considerations on the need to transform the technical and institutional culture in museums from a decolonial perspective are also included. Qualitative methodology was used to gather information from the process of collaborative curatorship involving both the museum staff and members of the Mbya Guarani communities, which include records of meetings, interviews, photographs and graphic material. The theoretical texts that provide a foundation for analysis and reflection come from social and critical museology, decolonial studies, anthropology and sociology. The exhibition was notable for dialog and the multiple voices it featured, since the collaborative curatorship required discussions and agreement between all parties involved. Additionally, this paper highlights the need to investigate museum practices and their relationships with participating communities, the public and society as a whole.

Keywords
Museum; Mbya Guaraní; Collaborative curatorship; Decolonialism