CMS hosted a session of the “Macau Studies Lecture Series” on October 15, featuring Professor Ma Shu Yun, Adjunct Professor of School of Governance and Policy Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, as the keynote speaker. The event also included a ceremony for the donation of rare historical documents.
The lecture, titled “Historical Echoes Across the Oceans—The Discovery, Circulation, and Arrival of Brazilian Slave Trade Documents in Macao,” saw Professor Ma share his experiences during a trip to Brazil and recount an extraordinary encounter that began with a visit to the private museum Instituto de Pesquisa e Memória Pretos Novos (IPN), dedicated to the histor y of the transatlantic slave trade. Under IPN’s commission, these valuable historical materials were donated to an academic institution in Macau.
Using this story as a starting point, Professor Ma delved into the discovery and circulation of Brazilian slave trade archives, extending the discussion to global geopolitical shifts, Brazil’s unique position in modern history, and Macau’s distinctive role in fostering interaction between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. He encouraged students to “see the grand narrative through small details” and actively broaden their horizons.
During the event, a simple yet solemn book donation ceremony was held. Professor Ma formally presented four volumes of rare historical materials, gifted by Brazilian friends, to the University of Macau Library. The donation was received by Priscilla Pun, functional head of the UM Library. Edited by João Carlos Nara Jr., the collection includes: O Cais e o Cemitério (Part 1), O Cais e o Cemitério (Part 2), A Morte no Valongo, and Silêncios que Gritam. These four volumes are facsimile compilations of documents related to the Brazilian slave trade and will serve as an important foundation for future research.
