"É esse conjunto que importa preservar, no seu todo": negociação e conflito na implantação de uma política de preservação patrimonial em Minas Gerais (1937-1967)

Abstract

Throughout the so-called heroic phase of the National Service of Artistic and Historic Heritage (SPHAN), corresponding to the period when Rodrigo Melo Franco de Andrade took over as the head of the entity (1937-1967), there was an increase in actions of preservation of heritage in the state of Minas Gerais. The architectural complexes of a number of towns declared as national heritage underwent a special regime of preservation, based on strict control over building façades, and on imposing conditions regarding the usage and conservation of the urban landscape. The declaration of such towns as national heritage has raised questioning, disagreement and doubts concerning the procedures to be adopted by the townships. Besides, the inclusion of objects so far not understood as heritage has generated awkwardness and conflict of interest, and faced hindrance from the townsfolk. In this work, we aim at approaching the tensions and conflicts regarding the preservation of the heritage by both the SPHAN technicians and local agents. We suggest the SPHAN was forced to negotiate with local authorities over the preservation of its material and simbolic goods, thus questioning whether the construction of a national artistic and historic heritage has appealed to the townsfolk, transcending its clashes and social conflicts, and serving as the substract to the integration of a national identity.