TRAVEL LITERATURE: THE TUPINAMBÁ WOMEN AND THEIR EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES IN MARANHÃO (1612-1614)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe the educational practices developed by Tupinambá women in Maranhão between 1612 and 1614. These were Indigenous women who came into contact with the priests Yves d’Évreux and Claude d’Abbeville. In addition, the study seeks to undertake a comparative analysis with the account of Hans Staden. This is a documentary study whose analyses were based on the writings of the travelers themselves, Yves d’Évreux (2009) and Claude d’Abbeville (2002), as well as authors such as Florestan Fernandes (1963), Verônica Mendes (2021), and Márcia Kambeba (2020). The findings indicate a division of labor in which women performed specific activities from birth to old age. It is observed that girls began their lives through play, already being guided to learn the activities they would perform when older. Women were important pillars for the functioning of the Indigenous community. Culinary knowledge, an essentially female responsibility, was a key part of Tupinambá educational processes. Their activities were related to the preparation of food and beverages, planting and harvesting, the making of cooking utensils such as clay pots, preparation for ritual activities, caring for prisoners, and taking care of children and husbands.