Between being portuguese and a 'bearded' indian: from the city of Nazaré (S. Luís do Maranhão, 1536) to colonizing Itapecuru valley in the 17th century

ABSTRACT

This article tries to assemble the essential data we possess on the discussed group of the “Barbados” (bearded) indians, their origin, composition and history till being exterminated by colons and authorities of the Portuguese state capital of São Luís do Maranhão in early 18th century. A drawing (Overseas Historical Archives, Lisbon) which is their only remain is here studied, despite having been made by their rivals, as well as a new view proposed to address this kind of problem of ethnic interaction.

Keywords:
Maranhão; Nazaré; João de Barros; Barbados ('bearded'); “corso” indians