Return of the Sacred​ Tupinamba ⁣Cloak to‌ Brazil

A symbolic artefact considered sacred by indigenous ⁣communities in south-east Brazil has been returned from Denmark.

The National Museum‍ of Brazil ⁣in Rio de Janeiro received the Tupinamba‌ cloak from the National Museum of Denmark ​and released it to ‍the public.

The Significance of the ⁣Tupinamba Cloak

This cloak is a type of⁤ cloak considered important by ‍the indigenous Tupinamba people⁤ who ‍live in the areas of Rio de Janeiro ⁤and Sao Paulo.⁤ It is known to be similar to that used ​by shamans‌ and chiefs ⁣in large ceremonies.

The cloak is 1.8m⁤ long ​when not folded, and has the distinction of‍ being made using scarlet ibis feathers.

A Long-Awaited Return

After being⁤ transported to Europe during the Portuguese colonial period, the cloak ⁢was stored in Copenhagen since 1689‌ and returned⁣ last July, 335⁣ years later.

This is the first Tupinamba cloak to be returned to Brazil,⁢ and the ‌remaining ​10 specimens are all in European museums, Brazilian authorities explained.

A Symbol of Cultural Heritage

A native ‍of⁢ Tupinamba who arrived and camped near ⁤the museum to celebrate the⁣ return said, “Europeans put (the cloak) in an exhibition facility ​as⁢ if it were a‌ zoo,” and added, “Only our people can communicate and​ interact with this symbol.”

Efforts to Recover ⁤Artifacts

The⁤ Brazilian government is working to recover artifacts scattered around the world. The⁢ return of the Tupinamba Mantle​ was ⁣agreed with Denmark⁣ in August last⁤ year.

The Tupinamba People Today

The Tupinamba people, currently known⁣ to have around 8,000 households, make a living through fishing and agriculture. They continue ‍to demand​ that the government recognize ⁢their territorial boundaries.