Writing and signing: selective skills in an illiterate universe (São João del-Rei, 1750-1850)

Abstract

This work aims to investigate the inhabitants’ relations in São João del-Rei with the written word, based on wills and inventories written in 1750-1850. A scale was used to establish the subscribers’ profiles and the qualified signatures observing the traces security as literacy indicator. The data analyzed used the dialogue between The History of Education and The History of Written Culture. It was concluded that the ability to sign was a more common practice used by white men and owners. A high literacy level was allocated to teachers, the clergy, and businessmen. Despite having a lower writing rate in relation to men, Sanjoanense women presented a higher rate as compared to Portuguese and Africans.

Keywords:
subscribers’ profile; scale of signatures; literacy rates