Conversas entrelaçadas: a renda é uma dádiva do eterno

Abstract

This research aims to give a voice to lacemakers and handmade lace know-how. The chosen methodology combined participatory and action research in experiences at different stages of postgraduate research. The first, through initial contacts in master's research in relation to the theme and the reality of a group of lacemakers in Brazil in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Alagoas, which were latter involved in doctoral research. The second moment occurred with exploratory actions, with intimate exhibitions showcasing the intricate textiles and personal stories of the lacemakers. Soon came other constructions with the design of adress with one of the acquired lace that made up the “Entrelaços” exhibition, on digital platforms in the context of the Covid 19 Pandemic, which was completed with the publication of a book with the stories of these lacemakers. The third moment occurred with documentary research on lacemakers from Ceará in Brazil and participatory research carried out with lacemakers from the city of Vila do Conde in northern Portugal. The Participatory research in the Portuguese city allowed us to learn about and interact with other cultural realities. Just as in Brazil, the transmission of know-how to younger generations is a challenge in Portugal, but, at the same time, it reveals other possibilities for continuity also through the use of digital technologies and the integration of infocommunication in memory spaces, such as archives and museums. Cultural references were understood in their contemporary uses that are located in the roots that underlie community relations and in issues of the creative and circular economy. The approach from the perspective of cultural heritage intends to bring to the debate the relevance of know-how and locate the artisanal activity without detaching it from its main foundation that takes place throughout the lace weaving meetings, these rituals and gift relationships. In this sense, by investigating its sustainability conditions, both through the ability to transmit knowledge from traditional training processes, and through the social organization of craft work, the objective of the thesis is to understand with what values the subjects of textile crafts mean their work and how these values corrrespond with the Sustainable Development Goals. On the small scale of the urban fabric, regardless of territorialization, what gives meaning to the place is the house that hosts artisanal practice and the neighborhood relationships that enhance the intertwining. By giving voice to Brazilian lacemakers and Portuguese lacemakers, I understood that, in addition to the lace object and its beautiful design, it is necessary to build narratives that consider all actors in the heritage scene, shifting the focus from the object to the cultural reference, in its locus of production and social reproduction, ensuring its present and future sustainability.