This article looks at the construction of the Indian by government officials and intellectuals during the Estado Novo (1937-45), and the efforts of indigenous peoples to engage these images. State officials - concerned with national consolidation, territorial defense, and racial pedigree - upheld the Indian as na icon who had made invaluable contributions to Brazilian historical and cultural formation. The proto-patriot, however, could only be fully redeemed through government tutelage. Confronted by na ambiguos state project, indigenous groups demonstrated varied responses.
Indian; Nation; Culture