ABSTRACT
We intend to analyze the trajectory of an indigenous leadership named Antônio da Costa Marapirão, inhabitant of the captaincy of Maranhão, during the 17th century. The choice of the character, in addition to his appearance in various Portuguese sources (empirical basis of our research), is explained by his participation in the events that helped to form, consolidate and/or execute the indigenous legislation. We will try to demonstrate that if the Indian, on the one hand, seeks alliances with external agents to his community (local elites, diverse authorities and, above all, the monarchy), on the other, the bond between the leader and his family, nation and/or community was a indispensable element of his political performance.
Keywords:
Colonial Amazon; colonial indigenous leaders; king’s benefits; indigenous policies; policies on Indians