Photography and memory in the historical recovery of Ivaiporã (PR)

Abstract

The present article recovers part of the history of Ivaiporã (PR) from the viewpoint of inhabitants or ex-residents of the city, using the support of photographs. More than mere illustration, the photographs are used as resource material and support in the process of historical remembrance.  This work analyses the role of photographs as “memory triggers”, associating its use to oral history. The methodology used consists of the review of literature, the iconographic analysis and the oral history. Boris Kossoy’s book Fotografia e História, and Lucio Boing’s article, Vale do Ivaí: Conflitos e ocupação de terras regionais were some of the theoretical references used. The study achieves, although partially, its aim of providing a means to those who were kept out from the historical process and bringing to light versions that were unknown but relevant to historical understanding, as well as observing the relation established between photograph and memory.