During the workshop an overview was giver of the expeditions conducted by these German ethnologists, discussing their outcomes, and generational differences and of their legacy for Brazilian ethnology and Indigenous policymaking by the state.
One of the workshop’s panels delved into the ethnographic collections owned by German institutions and the implications of the circulation of these objects.
Despite current debates about restitution, co-curatorship and participation, Brazilian Indigenous groups remain dependent on well-connected brokers to reach these important collections.
By bridging past and present, the workshop highlighted how the objects and knowledge collected by German ethnologists can support Indigenous groups in reclaiming their heritage and asserting their rights, if they manage to access them.
The insights gathered during the workshop pointed to the essential role of collaboration and accessibility policies for respecting and honouring these very lively groups.
