Arandu: Esmat Opens Photographic Exhibition In Honor Of The Indigenous People Of The State Of Tocantins

“It has the strength and power of our Tocantins and the beauty of the art of its native peoples”. It was with these words that Justice Marco Villas Boas, General Director of the Superior School of the Judges of the State of Tocantins (Esmat), celebrated the opening of the photographic exhibition “Arandu”, inaugurated on November 19th.

In the Tupi-Guarani language, Arandu means indigenous wisdom and knowledge, concepts that transcend the literal meaning and become palpable in the thirty-three photographs on display on the premises of Esmat's. The images not only capture, but crystallize moments of daily life, customs, traditions and the deep connection between the indigenous peoples of the state of Tocantins and nature. During the opening ceremony, Justice Marco Villas Boas highlighted the uniqueness of photographic art. 

“Art speaks for itself. We can't describe an artistic work in words, nor the vision that the photographer had of that moment crystallized in his art of photography, which resulted in the printing of these beautiful images that are framing our walls,” he praised.

About the project

The exhibition is the result of the project on “Arts, knowledge and makings of the indigenous peoples of the state of Tocantins”, developed by a multidisciplinary team made up of photographers Hodirley Canguçu and Ednan Cavalcanti, anthropologist Reijane Pinheiro da Silva and Esmat librarian Silvânia Olortegui. The photographs were taken during visits to the indigenous communities of the State, when handicrafts were also acquired to make up the permanent collection of the school.

In a statement, photographer Hodirley Canguçu shared the impact of the experience of visiting and recording the indigenous villages. “I feel extremely fulfilled, grateful and delighted with the unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary experience of getting to know the communities of the original peoples that have passed through generations and perpetuate in our region,” he said.

Anthropologist Reijane Pinheiro da Silva emphasized the cultural and social relevance of the exhibition. “The Arandu exhibition contributes significantly to value the diversity and identities of the indigenous peoples of the state of Tocantins. The photos invite us to reflect on the relationship between these peoples and their territories, the contemporary struggles for the preservation of their lands and, above all, for respect for the differences that characterize them,” she said.

Librarian Silvânia Olortegui highlighted the role of photography as a tool for historical preservation and social awareness. “Images help document and preserve the historical memory of indigenous communities and they can be powerful tools for raising public awareness about the struggles, challenges and rights of indigenous peoples, such as land demarcation, environmental preservation and the fight against climate change,” she said.

Valuing indigenous culture

In addition to the photographs, the exhibition features Rithokô handicrafts from the Karajá ethnic group, which reveal the skill, delicacy and talent of indigenous artists. This integration of visual elements invites visitors to take a fresh look at the cultural wealth of the indigenous communities of the state of Tocantins.

For Txibiê Karajá, a representative of the Karajá ethnic group, the exhibition is an important tool for valuing indigenous culture. “I believe it's one of the ways of valuing indigenous culture. Even with the advance of modernity, it is still possible to unite the two parts of society and make culture more visible and stronger through exhibitions and cultural demonstrations,” she observed.

Indigenous people in the state of Tocantins

Tocantins is home to around 20,000 indigenous people, belonging to nine ethnic groups: Karajá, Xambioá, Javaé (who make up the Iny people), Xerente, Apinajè, Krahô, Krahô-Kanela, Avá-Canoeiro and Pankararu. With 75.98% of this population living on demarcated lands, the State has the second highest percentage of indigenous people inhabiting traditional territories in Brazil, according to the Census of 2022.

More than a visual record, the Arandu exhibition is an encounter between memory and the present, capable of transforming narratives into living experiences. For, as philosopher Susan Sontag pointed out, “photography is universal in its language and it is potentially intended for everyone”.