Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Netherlands
fellow
Caroline Fernandes Caromano
Home institution
Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Country of origin (home institution)
Netherlands
Discipline(s)
Archeology and prehistory
Science of matter
Theme(s)
Environment, Sustainability & Biodiversity
Post-colonialism
Fellowship dates
›
Biography
Caroline was a NIAS-NIOD-KITLV fellow during 2024-2025.
I have an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences from the University of São Paulo (2005), specialization in Quaternary Geology and a Master's in Archaeology from the National Museum, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2010) and a Ph.D. in Archaeology from the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, University of São Paulo (2018). I have experience in Archaeology, with emphasis on Amazonian Archaeology, Anthracology, Archaeobotany, Ethnoarchaeology and Material Culture Studies.
Research Project
(Re) Interweaving past and present
Research question: Through a transatlantic dialogue with traditional populations, this research aims to shift our gaze on the significance of the paintings and the portrayed peoples of Dutch Brazil in the 17th century.
Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen, governor of the Dutch colony in Northeastern Brazil from 1637-1644, financed the work of researchers and artists, building collections and portraying the nature and peoples of Dutch Brazil as a strategy to demonstrate his political mastery. Although these scientific and artistic descriptions did not fully represent the cultural diversity in the colony, they may have scientific validity when analyzed through modern anthropology.
Caroline Fernandes Caromano plans to engage in a transatlantic dialogue with Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian communities in Maranhão, the last area taken over by the Dutch in Brazil. She will focus on basketry to discuss the portrayed peoples and their society.
By collaborating with traditional communities, this research seeks to shift the focus of intellectual production and challenge conventional research practices. Through examining basket-making techniques, the study will explore broader issues about the historical portrayal of marginalized groups and their political influence.
Research Interests:
colonialism; culture; diversity; community; representation; artisans; marginalization; dialogue