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Museum Tells Brazil's Story in 10,000 Voices

Oral history project offers unadulterated look at sprawling nation

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 16, 2009 9:43 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Most historical museums focus on the rich and powerful, but in sprawling Sao Paulo, an uncommon museum tells the story of Brazil from the perspective of more than 10,000 ordinary citizens. The Museum of the Person gathers the stories of a barber, a coconut breaker, a convicted felon, and thousands more in an oral history that offers new perspectives on the largest country in South America, reports the Wall Street Journal.

While many American oral history museums present "gussied up" stories, said one academic, the Sao Paulo museum offers surprisingly raw narratives. They can certainly be grim: One metalworker tells of how his father was "very, very bad," offering food to dogs instead of his sister. The man telling the story? Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—who went on to become president of Brazil.

Barack Obama greets Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Saturday, March 14, 2009. Lula is one of more than 10,000 contributors to an oral history museum in Sao Paulo.
Barack Obama greets Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Saturday, March 14, 2009. Lula is one of more than 10,000 contributors to an oral history museum in Sao Paulo.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
In Sau Paulo, the Museum of the Person tells the story of Brazil through the testimony of more than 10,000 citizens.
In Sau Paulo, the Museum of the Person tells the story of Brazil through the testimony of more than 10,000 citizens.   (©jdlasica)
Maria Jose Salles, 70, paints figures of Antonio de Sant'Anna Galvao, known as Friar Galvao, at a factory in Guaratingueta, Brazil, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007.
Maria Jose Salles, 70, paints figures of Antonio de Sant'Anna Galvao, known as Friar Galvao, at a factory in Guaratingueta, Brazil, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007.   (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)
A man harvests rubber at a rubber plantation in Xapuri, Brazil, Oct. 31, 2007.
A man harvests rubber at a rubber plantation in Xapuri, Brazil, Oct. 31, 2007.   (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
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The museum's English-language website
Museu da Pessoa

An interview with the museum's founder
Indiana University

 
Brazil • museum • Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva • Sao Paulo • oral history

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