E por ser de conhecida nobreza : elites locais e redes de reciprocidade no Sertão do Piancó, Capitania da Paraíba do Norte, 1711-1772

Abstract

This work aims to analyze the formation of socio-political groups and their political-administrative practices in the sertão of Piancó, Captaincy of Paraíba do Norte, between 1711 and 1772. Attempting to consolidate the colonization, a new sociopolitical organization, based on the Portuguese Ancien Régime but also result of the possibilities of that conquest space, was built in the sertões, where the different groups involved in the process set expectations and had new experiences. From the performances of ordinary judges, officers of the Ordinances, and other men of authority, it becomes possible to understand how this space was rearranged by the holders of the top military posts and civil administration positions. Intermingling these spaces of power, the personal relations of the men of the sertão were based on negotiation and reciprocity, thus forming interest and privileges networks aiming to legitimate local elites. Especially through the Notarial Record Books produced by the notaries of the Piancó and the official correspondence of the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, we see the operation of socio-political practices that allowed those involved to remain at the center of local power and also to legitimate social distinctions.