A memorial to Niéde Guidon
Helena Costa
Niéde has long been known and admired by those working for more inclusive tourism. In Serra da Capivara, this courageous scientist led movements that looked not only at the ancestors and everything that Archaeology could reveal. As if that were insufficient, she looked at those communities that lived there, in great penury, and looked for ways that they could live the greatness of what our ancestors left there.
All the admiration and thanks of LETS to Niéde Guidon, who did a lot for the archaeological heritage of Brazil and the world. Who left a legacy of determination, despite the countless difficulties. That left a National Park worthy of being a source of pride for Brazilians (even if little known by so many of us).
In March of this year, the Museum of Image and Sound of São Paulo had already organized an exhibition in celebration of Niéde's 90th birthday. Celebrated and recognized in life (fortunately!) for her giant contributions as shown here.
We thought of ways to record this tribute. A more institutional, more personal, more academic memorial? And here we are: to the beautiful text of our researcher Prof. Dr. Iara Brasileiro - with whom I learned so much about Niéde and started to have an immense affection for this woman I never got to see in person.
Let's stay with Prof. Iara's text, which moves us with every word.
To the tireless, courageous and determined woman, Niède Guidon
Iara Brasileiro
Niède Guidon encerrou sua vida entre nós no último dia 4 de junho. De acordo com pessoas próximas a ela, “sentiu um mal-estar, tomou alguma coisa para aliviá-lo e foi dormir”. Na madrugada, seu coração parou. Simples assim.
What to say about this researcher and scientist? What about this woman?
Impossible not to be impacted by his discreet presence, but impressively strong and striking. I had the privilege of meeting her, of being received at her home and even of discussing with her the possibility of developing a project together. I wrote the proposal that she signed without objections and we forwarded it to the institution that, we thought, would have every interest in supporting it. Unfortunately, we never received a response, even though we knew that everyone who read the project thought it was innovative and important. A pity, but this would be just another "no" we receive when we seek resources for research that, as important as they are, does not sensitize the funders' coffers. Certainly Niède bumped into many doors. That was just another one.
O projeto não vingou, mas a lembrança de Niède permanece em meu coração. Desconheço as razões que ela teve para determinar que o Museu fosse aberto para mim; que eu fosse acompanhada por pesquisadora e docente na visita aos laboratórios; que o chefe do Parque me mostrasse trilhas ainda não abertas aos visitantes; que conversasse comigo por horas.
Como esquecer tamanha hospitalidade, se todas as “soleiras” foram transpostas para sempre?
In the days I was visiting the city of São Raimundo Nonato (PI), the Museum of the American Man and the Serra da Capivara Park, I was able to talk to women and men who worked directly or indirectly for the Foundation. There I learned, up close, what it is to know and take care of the past, to value the present to ensure the future.
Ao perceber que muitas mulheres eram maltratadas e desvalorizadas, Niède passou a contratá-las, garantindo-lhes emprego, poder e, consequentemente, liberdade. Não descuidou dos homens, dedicando-se a ensinar-lhes valores de cuidados consigo, com os outros e com a natureza. Empregou os caçadores como vigilantes, dando-lhes outra perspectiva para seu olhar sempre atento, conhecedor dos rastros, cheiros e presenças. Fez questão que as crianças frequentassem a escola. Promoveu a formação musical e incentivou os trabalhos em cerâmica. Resgatou a grandeza da vida milenar.
As for science, he confronted established theories and courageously defended other ideas. For decades he faced criticism of his performance and explanation of his archaeological finds. He identified more than 800 archaeological sites, created the Museum of the American Man Foundation (FUMDHAM) and the Serra da Capivara National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It marked science.
O que a fez tão presente? Talvez, a força misteriosa do passado longínquo, mas tão vivo, a acompanhasse em sua caminhada. Ou, talvez, quem sabe, ela tenha aprendido com a vegetação da Caatinga , com as onças e os pássaros, e com os pequenos mocós, a simplesmente, resistir e manter a alma livre, valente, firme e perseverante.
Niède Guidon left her "marks on the stone".
His burial is in the backyard of the house in which he lived, next to the Museum of the American Man.
