Navigation of National Heritage: Examining Portugal’s Age of Exploration in Museums through a Decolonial Perspective

Over the past decade, sociopolitical movements like Black Lives Matter have gained international recognition, bringing systemic racism fostered through colonialism and imperialism to the forefront. These discussions have prompted national discourse in many Western countries, leading to a critical reevaluation of historical narratives and the representation of colonial legacies in various cultural institutions, including museums. Although the decolonization process within museums is still in its early stages, countries such as Portugal and Spain have been criticized for being particularly uncooperative. This thesis scrutinized the current state of several museums in Portugal, including the Navy Museum and the Museum of the Orient in Lisbon, the World of Discoveries digital exhibit in Porto, and the Slave Market Museum in Lagos. These institutions represent the maritime heritage of the Age of Exploration, an integral aspect of Portugal’s collective memory and national identity. The...Show moreOver the past decade, sociopolitical movements like Black Lives Matter have gained international recognition, bringing systemic racism fostered through colonialism and imperialism to the forefront. These discussions have prompted national discourse in many Western countries, leading to a critical reevaluation of historical narratives and the representation of colonial legacies in various cultural institutions, including museums. Although the decolonization process within museums is still in its early stages, countries such as Portugal and Spain have been criticized for being particularly uncooperative. This thesis scrutinized the current state of several museums in Portugal, including the Navy Museum and the Museum of the Orient in Lisbon, the World of Discoveries digital exhibit in Porto, and the Slave Market Museum in Lagos. These institutions represent the maritime heritage of the Age of Exploration, an integral aspect of Portugal’s collective memory and national identity. The analysis was informed by a literature review of the formation of the Portuguese overseas empire, postcolonial theory, and decolonization practices within museology. Additionally, museum visits provided significant first-hand observations, and extensive engagement with museum archival data through their respective websites offered further insights. The findings revealed that the predominant narrative of these museums centered around the glorification of the Portuguese maritime legacy, portraying it more as an adventure and less as a history of exploitation and oppression. Furthermore, this study compared Portuguese museums to those in other European nations with colonial empires, highlighting differences in how colonial histories are presented. This comparison underscores the need for a more nuanced and inclusive representation of maritime heritage in Portugal, contributing to a broader understanding of the impact of decolonial perspectives and practices on contemporary society.Show less

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Navigation of National Heritage: Examining Portugal’s Age of Exploration in Museums through a Decolonial Perspective