From Cayari to Madeira: Historical processes of ethnogenesis in South-West Amazônia during the colonial period.

Abstract

This article presents a study of the interethnic relations in the Amazônian region of the Madeira River during the 17^th and 18^th centuries. The review of some of its main ethnohistorical sources has allowed for the identification of processes of ethnogenesis that are examined and presented as case studies, namely the phenomena of fleeing and the maroon communities (mocambos), and the Tupinambarana and Mura ethnogenesis. With this, it further aims at pointing out the groups' creative capacities, refashioned identities and roles, as well as the different strategies developed, granting them not only voice, but also agency. By doing so, this paper intends to showcase how the analysis of interethnic relations and processes of ethnogenesis may contribute to revisit the ethnohistory of the region of the Madeira River, a history of domination marked by colonial expansion in a space ideologically perceived as empty, discontinuous, devoid of actors or action.