Why did Brazilian indigenous arts lose strength with the arrival of colonizers?

Colonial Suppression of Indigenous Arts

When the colonizers arrived in Brazil, they brought with them their own cultural beliefs, values, and artistic expressions. In an attempt to establish dominance and control over the indigenous population, the colonizers imposed their culture on the indigenous people, suppressing their traditional arts and practices.

Forced Assimilation

The colonizers viewed the indigenous arts as primitive and inferior to their own artistic traditions. They enforced policies that aimed to assimilate the indigenous population into the colonizers' culture, discouraging the practice of indigenous arts and promoting European art forms instead.

Loss of Cultural Identity

As the colonizers exerted their influence and power over the indigenous communities, many indigenous artists felt compelled to abandon their traditional artistic practices in favor of the colonizers' cultural norms. This led to a gradual erosion of the indigenous cultural identity and artistic heritage.

Legacy of Colonization

The legacy of colonization continues to impact the indigenous arts in Brazil today. The historical suppression of indigenous arts by the colonizers has resulted in a loss of traditional knowledge and artistic practices among indigenous communities. Efforts are now being made to revitalise and preserve indigenous arts as a way to reclaim and celebrate their cultural heritage.