A representação indígena em “Gupeva” de Maria Firmina dos Reis: entre o colonialismo e a perspectiva decolonial

Abstract

The representation of Indigenous peoples in 19th-century Brazilian literature was largely shaped by a colonial project that constructed their image from an ethnocentric and exclusionary perspective. In the dominant novels of the period, Indigenous characters were often dehumanized, subordinated, and silenced, reflecting colonial ideals of domination and the denial of native cultures. Scholars such as Antonio Candido (1999) and Alfredo Bosi (1992) have pointed out how Romantic Indianism contributed to the idealization of the "noble savage," situating Indigenous figures within narratives that distanced them from their historical and cultural realities. This study aims to analyze the short story Gupeva (1861), by Maria Firmina dos Reis, to demonstrate how the author subverts this hegemonic narrative by offering an alternative view of Indigenous representation in literature. Maria Firmina breaks with the literary conventions of her time, presenting a more humanized depiction of Indigenous characters and challenging colonialist perspectives. Her approach resonates with decolonial theories, as articulated by Walter Mignolo (2017) and Aníbal Quijano (2009), in questioning the power structures and epistemologies imposed by coloniality. Accordingly, this research investigates 19th-century literary narratives with a focus on Indigenous representations, emphasizing the relevance of decolonial readings in their interpretation. The analysis adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from Literary Criticism, History, and Sociology, to provide a comprehensive understanding that considers both literary structures and the broader historical and social context of the works. Theoretical contributions from Homi Bhabha (1998) further illuminate the dynamics of representation and resistance in Maria Firmina’s work. This study reveals that Gupeva constitutes a form of resistance to the dominant literary paradigm of the time, offering a more dignified image of Brazilian Indigenous peoples and affirming the value of native cultures. Through the subversion of stereotypes and the affirmation of Indigenous voices, the author from Maranhão emerges as a forerunner in the development of a literature committed to social justice and cultural diversity.

KEYWORDS: Maria Firmina dos Reis; Brazilian literature; Indigenous representations; Colonialism; Decoloniality.