DEVOTION AND MUSEALIZATION:

THE IMAGE OF SENHOR DOS PASSOS IN THE MUSEU DA ORDEM TERCEIRA DO CARMO EN CACHOEIRA, BAHIA

Abstract

This article discusses musealization as a tool for preserving Brazilian religious cultural heritage without dissociating the object from its social function. Traditionally seen as a technical procedure that removes objects from their original context, musealization has been reinterpreted through debates about its social role, allowing communities to preserve religious collections without halting their use. Some institutions permit the liturgical use of objects, respecting conservation standards to maintain their functionality. This is the case of the Museu da Capela da Venerável Ordem Terceira do Carmo (séc. XVIII), in Cachoeira, Bahia, founded in the 1930s. The institution performs a dual role as both religious and museological space. Among its collection, the image of the Senhor dos Passos stands out for maintaining ritual use during Lent and Holy Week, including its garments and adornments. Furthermore, it is displayed for devotional visits every Friday by both Catholic faithful and devotees of African-based religions, thus preserving its functional role inside and outside the museum.