6 - Life in the Village

Summary

But the men and the women

live in this imbroglio …

There's no fever like the fever

that pierces Serro do Frio …

SOCIAL NETWORKS

On November 24, 1753, soon after arriving in Tejuco, Chief Judge João Fernandes de Oliveira attended his first village baptism as the godfather of Angélica, the legitimate daughter of José de Araújo Guimarães and Inês Maria da Conceição, both white. He thus began to establish the necessary connections with the local elite so often forged through relationships of godparentage.

The young chief judge had to impress the villagers and impose the respect demanded by his presence and the important position of diamond contractor he had come to occupy. He dressed in the European style typical of the village's white elite. The first item of the ritual garb was a pair of long johns, followed by a white linen shirt with frilled cuffs, long or short trousers, and fine silk stockings. On top of this went a black, red, or blue duroy swallow-tailed coat, or a baize, velvet, or satin tailcoat. Finally, an overcoat or sleeved cape was worn in a manner almost wrapped around the body. The trimmings were various: a removable collar, a frilly silk pocket handkerchief and another blue handkerchief for tobacco; a feathered hat with a buckled strap; a cross of the Order of Christ worn about the neck; shoes with gold or silver buckles; and a tortoise cane with a gold or silver head and bands set with precious stones.