Ouro Preto Borum-Kren: entre terra, território, narrativas e persistência indígena

Abstract

Ouro Preto, which emerged as Vila Rica still in the 18th century, is recognized for its colonial urban layout and expressive baroque buildings. Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed by IPHAN, its official history is marked by the conquest of invaders who extensively mined alluvial gold until its decline. This dissertation discusses the history/histories of Ouro Preto, demystifying the restricted view that reduces the city to its historic center by highlighting the presence and narrative of Ouro Preto Borum-Kren. By shifting the exclusive focus from the historic center, the study highlights and analyzes the socio-spatial dynamics that constitute contemporary Ouro Preto. It starts from the recognition of the territorial plurality lived by this people, understanding that it is not a single “nak” (land, in the ithok indigenous language), but multiple “nak”, interconnected and associated with the collective way of being. The aim was, therefore, to construct a potential history that challenges hegemonic narratives and broadens the understanding of indigenous territorial occupation. This is a qualitative investigation based on fieldwork, prioritizing the presence and continuous learning with its members, especially with the companion of this research, “Cacique” (chief) Danilo Borum-Kren. Through the process of "unlearning with companions," the aim was to build a potential history that expands the understanding of territorial occupation and challenges hegemonic narratives. The dissertation is organized into three main axes: the process of ethnogenesis and affirmation of the Borum-Kren indigenous collective; the plurality of narratives present in Ouro Preto; and the discussions concerning the Ouro Preto Borum- Kren.