Casa das Fazendas Pretas, urban trade, and mourning practices in the late 19th century

ABSTRACT

The Casa das Fazendas Pretas (House of Funerary trousseaus) was a commercial establishment located in Rio de Janeiro between the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Aimed at being “the only one of its kind,” as stated in its advertising, it was specialized in fabrics and articles for mourning and half-mourning. In retracing its history, one may observe the development of this particular kind of commerce, the concern with the mourning etiquette, and the social place occupied by these rules in the life of the elite and the middle classes at that time. This study was conducted with women’s and general interest magazines accessed through the National Library website and documents found in the National Archives, in Rio de Janeiro.

KEYWORDS:
Casa das Fazendas Pretas; Mourning; Fashion history; Rio de Janeiro; 19th century