The National Museum of Afro-Brazilian Culture, Cultural museum in Pelourinho, Salvador, Brazil.
The National Museum of Afro-Brazilian Culture is a cultural museum in Pelourinho that houses more than 1800 objects from Africa and Brazil. The collection includes photographs, ornaments, masks, and musical instruments that document the history and heritage of these communities.
Founded in 2011, this institution occupies a building from the 16th century that once housed Brazil's first medical school. The choice of this location reflects a shift toward recognizing and preserving African heritage within the nation's history.
The Mural of the Orixás displays 27 cedar panels depicting Candomblé deities, created by artist Carybé to represent spiritual traditions that remain central to local religious life. Visitors can observe how these sacred figures continue to hold meaning in the daily practices of people in Salvador.
Access is through the streets of Pelourinho, a historic neighborhood with cobblestone paths and hills. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the surroundings, especially if planning to walk through the neighborhood as well.
The collection includes objects seized during 1920s police raids on Candomblé religious sites, now preserved as evidence of religious persecution. These pieces tell stories of how communities maintained their traditions despite government opposition and suppression.
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