Masculinities at stake in Portuguese America: Pero Coelho de Sousa’s expedition in 1603

Abstract

This article shall examine some contingencies, transformations and inventions about some masculinities aspects. The latter are perceived in the trajectories of some men who had made part of conquest and colonization activities in the Northern captaincies of Portuguese America, during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Special attention was given to the captaincy of Siará and Captain Pero Coelho de Sousa’s expedition, started in 1603. For this purpose, it was analyzed the relationships, expectations and behaviors of some men who were the main officers in Portuguese America. Those men developed governance practices in “Brazil”, especially when they deliberated about their advance/internalization in Rio Grande, Paraíba, Siará, Piauí and Maranhão. Based in gender and masculinity studies, this paper intended to analyze the invention of masculine identities in the context noted above, questioning the aspects of identification and differentiation existing between men. This research is supported by the analyses of official documents, such as letters; royal decrees; royal regulations; royal records and certificates; all of them safeguarded in Brazilian and/or Portuguese institutions. It was also examined chronicles; religious memoirs; and some memoirs of those men who adventured themselves in conquest activities. Keywords: Masculinity, gender, identity, Portuguese America.