THE MARCH OF OBJECTS: SICKLES, AXES, SMOKE, CLOTHING, AND FOOD AMONG INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND CONQUERORS IN COLONIAL CEARÁ (17 TH CENTURY)

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to investigate the circulation of objects between the native populations of the colonial East-West coast and the European conquering forces, especially the Portuguese, in their attempts to conquer the region, based on the study of primary documentary sources, taking into account Carlo Ginzburg's ideas about documents and their information as a paradigm for research. In each of these attempts, we can detect elements that emphasize the importance of objects in the relationships established. In the bandeira of the Portuguese Pero Coelho de Sousa, sickles, axes, and knives were used as objects of exchange between the bandeirante troops and two indigenous villages in the region, gaining space to negotiate their support in combat. Later, Jesuits also exchanged objects with the natives (tobacco and clothing) to forge alliances; in return, some native groups offered food in exchange for the priests' friendship. Finally, the expulsion of the French from Maranhão was led by intermediaries who maintained relationships of exchange of objects with the native populations. These cases demonstrate how the Portuguese managed to articulate diplomacy with the native populations through the circulation of objects between subjects of colonization and indigenous groups.