Oreretama, National History Museum of Brazil

Setting reproduces a cave in the Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí, with cave drawings representing animals. Sambaquis, found on the coast of Rio de Janeiro, warn of the need to preserve archaeological sites and the environment.

A word that in Tupi means “our home”, Oreretama presents the indigenous populations, their culture, tools, myths and knowledge. Collection and multimedia document the Kaurup ceremony.

The “Oreretama” exhibition starts the long-lasting circuit of the National Historical Museum, presenting the scenic reproduction of the Serra da Capivara cave located in the city of São Raimundo Nonato, in Piauí.

The installation presents the rock art transmitted through engravings, which reveal the process of forming the cultural identity of our native ancestors and also provides recognition of our own nationality.

First inhabitants
When Europeans first came into contact with the inhabitants of the New World at the end of the 15th century and early 16th century, indigenous populations had been around for at least 500 centuries. Over this extended period, these populations had adapted to the environment and had built their dwellings, utensils, myths and knowledge, and culture.

On entering the exhibition there is a cave scene with cave paintings, found in the Serra da Capivara, located in the north of Brazil. The area has more than 400 archaeological sites.

The word “Oreretama” means our land, or dwelling, in Tupi, the linguistic trunk to which a large group of natives belong, descendants of the first inhabitants of this tropical land.

The indigenous peoples
The art, customs, and beliefs of the first inhabitants of Brazil have a prominent place in the National History Museum. Weapons, crafts, and even a video showing scenes of kuarup—a traditional Indian ritual—can be seen at this stage of the exhibition.

Aspects of indigenous life: Their art, weapons, and customs. Weapons for defense and costumes for rituals.

From the cave to the 21st century
The Exhibition Circuit starts on the ground floor, in the escalator hall, with panels telling the story of the architectural ensemble. Highlight for the equestrian sculpture of D. Pedro II, by Francisco Manoel Chaves Pinheiro. In the hall on the second floor, there is access to the gallery with a ceiling decorated by Carlos Oswald, where the multivision is projected on the trajectory of the National Historical Museum. After the exhibition, exhibitions present the history of Brazil: traditional collection, contemporary pieces and multimedia resources help the visitor to understand the history.

National History Museum of Brazil
The National Historical Museum of Brazil was created in 1922, and possesses over 287,000 items, including the largest numismatic collection of Latin America. The architectural complex that houses the museum was built in 1603 as the St. James of Mercy Fort; earlier structures date back to 1567, erected by order of King Sebastian I of Portugal. In 1693, the Calaboose Prison, for slaves, was built. In 1762, the Casa do Trem was added as a depot of weapons and ammunition. The last additions are the War Arsenal (1764) and the Barracks (1835).

The formation of the collection of the National Historical Museum began with the transfer of items from other institutions that already existed at the time of its foundation. Several items and pieces came from the National Archives museum and from the National Library’s numismatics office. The Casa da Moeda, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Ministry of the Army and the Ministry of the Navy also contributed to the initial formation of the collection.

Currently, the National Historical Museum occupies the entire architectural complex of Ponta do Calabouço and became the most important museum of history in the country, bringing together a collection of 258,000 items, including objects, documents and books, and being an institution of production and dissemination of knowledge.

National Historical Museum maintains long-term and temporary exhibition galleries in a 9,000 m² area open to the public, as well as a library specialized in Brazil History, Art History, Museology and Fashion, and the Historical Archive with important manuscript documents, watercolors, illustrations and photographs, including Juan Gutierrez, Augusto Malta and Marc Ferrez.

It also maintains programs to students, teachers, senior citizens and poor communities. Its storage rooms, conservation and restoration laboratories and numismatics (collection of coins and other printed figures) can be consulted by prior appointment. Picturesque inner courtyards and a friendly cafeteria offer pleasant options for relaxing moments.