Fronteira e identidade: confrontos luso-guarani na Banda Oriental 1680-1757.

Abstract

The mission settlements in colonial Paraguay, established by the Jesuits for Native American converts and called «reducciones», were constantly disturbed by the Portuguese expansion into the interior. This was particularly the case of the Siete Pueblos settlements. Due to the frequent clashes between the Guarani and the Portuguese armies, a bitter hostility grew among the contenders. As a result, the records of this mutual enmity reveal the atmosphere, the mood as well as the ethnic and cultural identities of those involved in a unique fashion. The constant skirmishes with the Portuguese allowed the Guarani to re-examine the way they perceived their opponent. On these occasions, the Guarani also reasserted their identity.