JESUIT-GUARANI HERITAGE IN SOUTH AMERICA AND INSTITUTIONAL ACTION: scale as a critical-interpretative key

a escala como chave crítico-interpretativa

Abstract

This article analyzes institutions involved in the heritage protection of the Jesuit-Guarani missions based on a discussion of the concept of scale proposed by Spanish geographer Javier Gutiérrez Puebla. Scale is a geographic concept that has different meanings and dimensions depending on the intention of the researcher and the object (or set of objects) analyzed. In this theoretical context, the Brazilian, Argentinean and Paraguayan Jesuit missions are interpreted based on the scalar concepts proposed by Puebla - size, level, network and relationship - with the aim of identifying the different modes of heritage action in each country. The methodology used, of a qualitative, analytical and synthetic nature, is based on bibliographic and documentary research and fieldwork records carried out at three archaeological sites. As a result, there is recognition of the reductionist and fragmentary nature of the protectionist approach to the Jesuit-Guarani missions, identified (i) in the scope of jurisdictions, (ii) in the hierarchy between entities, (iii) in a network of fragile connections and (iv) in non-dialogical operational priorities.