Imagens e memórias na cidade de Rio Tinto – Paraíba: um percurso etnográfico entre ruas, fotografias e lembranças

Abstract

This work is a result of different anthropological research methods combined to offer reflections on memories and images that take part of those who live in Rio Tinto nowadays. As they are really expressions of collective memories, pictures and oral testimonies were gathered and analysed so as to better notice and understand which the major present topics on historical and socio-cultural development would be. A photographic exhibition organized by the Town Hall entitled “Fifty years of history and tradition in the city of Rio Tinto – PB” was the start point for ethnographic paths between dwellers of one of the most ancient streets of this city. Along these paths family photos, genealogies as well as oral accounts motivated by the old pictures of the mentioned exhibition were collected. As a result of these meetings with the dwellers, different situations and memories emerged which allow not only to make questions about local history and traditions, but also reveal aspects of common daily life on the “Rua das Flores” and the way of living of the old families who lived there. Therefore, an ethnographic contribution (based on the points of view of the dwellers) to understand the historical and socio-cultural aspects of the northeast of Paraiba was provided.