"Império da linha reta" e a construção da paisagem nos sertões setentrionais do Brasil oitocentista

Abstract

The aim of this research is to understand the emergence of the “immense carnaubais” landscape in the northern hinterland of nineteenth century Brazil. Specifically, we seek to understand the construction of this landscape through the testimonies of scholars, as well as analyzing the contributions of foreign travelers and understanding the role of literature in this discursive and imagistic elaboration. As far as the treatment of sources is concerned, we followed methodological paths generously covered by various contributions, but with a significant emphasis on the indicative method. From the point of view of approach, this research is more closely associated with the field of environmental history. In the northern hinterland of nineteenth century Brazil, the landscape of "immense carnaubais" groves emerged and consolidated, in a context in which carnauba served as food for both humans and animals, especially during periods of prolonged drought. Finally, the tree's infinite uses, its adaptability to the environment and its socio-economic importance culminated in it being nicknamed the “tree of life”.