Igreja Diocesana e as populações indígenas nos sertões do Piauí (1740-1775)

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the role of the Diocesan Church during the colonization process of the Portuguese Crown among the indigenous populations in Piauí in the 18th century, more precisely between the decades of 1740 and 1775. We will therefore seek to understand the participation of the Church in this colonization process, especially in the scope of spiritual power. It is known that the first actions carried out by the Catholic Church among the indigenous people were through the Jesuits. However, more recent historiography has been debating the role of the Diocesan Church in the work of spiritual jurisdiction of the indigenous people. Thus, this research will attempt to examine, through bibliographical references and ecclesiastical documentation, the insertion of the diocesan Church in this colonial process. This work also intends to discuss the conflicts that existed between the regular and secular clergy in dispute for the spiritual command of the indigenous people during the context of the State of Grão-Pará and Maranhão. In view of this, it can be understood that the dispute for the guardianship of the indigenous people was 4 not simply about the spiritual sphere, but there were also other interests such as the economic factor, since the indigenous people were, for a long time, the livelihood of the colonizers. To carry out this work, we intend to use some authors such as: Maria Celestino de Almeida, Rafael Chambouleyron, Vanice Siqueira, João Reno, André Ferreira, Nivia Paula Dias de Assis, Pollyana Muniz, Vânia Maria Losada and Soraia Sales.