A Participação dos índios Kaiowá e Guarani como trabalhadores nos ervais da Companhia Matte Larangeira: (1902-1952)

Abstract

The dissertation in hand addresses the participation of the Kaiowá and Guarani Indians as tea gathers in the Matte Laranjeira Company in former Mato Grosso. The aim has been to investigate how the participation of this population came about in the various stages of tea gathering. For this the study sought to determine the presence of the indigenous population in the diverse work fronts which were established in the region during the process of territorial occupation of the south of Mato Grosso. The study is supported by bibliographical research, including the most relevant works on the theme. It also includes consultation of the microfilmed documentation of the Indian Protection Service (IPS) which refers to the Indigenous Posts in the south of Mato Grosso and also a significatant number of reports given by indigenous and non-indigenous people who lived through or had family members involved in the tea gathering work. These reports speak basically of the life of the Kaiowá and Guarani during the period handled by the study. On investigating the daily routine in the tea growing area it was possible to verify that the indigenous people were a part of the tea gathering undertaking with their specialized labour together with Paraguayans, Argentinians and others. It was verified that this participation did not affect in the same way all the Indian villages. There was also established at the same time a relationship of exploitation and exchange as there were many products that were of direct interest to the Indians. At another time the actual Indian Protection Service took over the management of the work done by the Indians for tea contractors and local farmers. It was also confirmed that the indigenous participation in these events was concealed by the historiographic production on this period.