The material culture of the religious field

What are relics and why study them? This is the starting point of the interview with António Camões Gouveia, discussing the multiple interpretations and layers of meaning associated with a relic. The conversation explores the importance of individual and collective memory, the existence of relics regardless of the 'holiness' of their owner, the possibility of creating an individual reliquary, and the distinction between institutional devotion and popular devotion. Examples associated with figures such as Santo António, Santo Inácio de Loiola, Santa Rita de Cássia, Sousa Martins, Madre Luiza Andaluz, and Padre Cruz are referred to.

António Camões Gouveia is a Professor at NOVA FCSH and an Postdoctoral Researcher at CHAM. Between 1991 and 1997, he collaborated with the National Commission for the Commemoration of Portuguese Discoveries. He served as the scientific coordinator of the Robinson Foundation from 2004 to 2013 and as the Director of the Évora Museum from 2010 to 2012. His work focuses on modern mentalities, ideas, and social practices, particularly the history of the nobility, knowledge, religious life, and everyday life. In a theoretical-practical confluence, he integrates cultural programming in the dimensions of heritage, museology, and mediation.

The interview is conducted by Beatriz Freitas.

Coordenation

Isabel Araújo Branco (CHAM)

Organization

CHAM / NOVA FCSH

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