THE IMAGERY OF IMMIGRANTS IN THE ZONA DA MATA MINEIRA

CARTAPESTA AND OTHER UNPRECEDENTED TECHINIQUES

Abstract

processes of identification, protection and conservation-restoration of cultural assets and also
the development of various academic investigations by a research group that has recognized, in
the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, in addition of works on traditional supports, the significant
occurrence of sculptures linked to immigration processes, whose materials and techniques had
not yet been described in Minas Gerais collections, such as the Cartapesta. From these studies,
different categories of religious sculptures are identified, such as images using the Cartapesta
technique, imported from Italy by religious or lay people of Italian origin, as well as signed and
documented images produced in stucco and plaster, in an artisanal way, in Minas Gerais soil,
by Italian artists established in the region. It is concluded that the region has a diverse imaginary
that is the result of multiple historical and cultural experiences developed in this portion of the
Minas Gerais territory.