António Vieira, SJ (1608–97) and Indian slavery in Brazil

• In Event: Europe and Other Worlds: Converts, Renegades, Slaves, Native Peoples

Abstract

Traditional historiography on Portuguese slavery often cites the name of the famous Jesuit António Vieira (1608-1697), as one of the strongest supporters of slave traffic between Africa and Brazil. Vieira’s support of African slavery needs further analysis in view of his eschatological project, and in particular because of the role that he thought Brazilian Indians were to play in its achievement. This paper discusses Vieira’s position regarding slavery, using as the main source the text of his opus magnum – Clavis Prophetarum – and in particular, the recently discovered copy known as Franciscan Institute, ms. 28, held at St. Bonaventure University. Thus, analyzing Vieira’s position regarding slavery taking into account his eschatological project – a divine kingdom on earth lead by the Portuguese king – in order to further understand why he was against Indian enslavement, though not clearly against the continuation of the slave traffic between Africa and Brazil.

Author

• Ana Valdez, CIDEHUS, University of Évora