Thebrazilwood cycle occurred during the pre-colonial phase (1500-1530) of Brazil. It was the first product to be explored by the Portuguese during the time of colonization.
The pau-brasil is a tree native to the Atlantic Forest that was already used by the Indians for dyeing fabrics. So, when the Portuguese noticed its use, they began to explore pau-brasil and send it to Europe, where it was already much appreciated, as the Arabs already commercialized a dye plant that came from India.
Pau-Brasil
Pau-brasil ink is red in color and was found mainly in coastal regions, which made it even easier to explore. Since the beginning of the 16th century, the Portuguese Crown received high values for the exploitation of pau-brasil.
It took three expeditions to extract redwood:first expedition (1502), second expedition (1503) and third expedition (1504).
However, during years of exploitation, the pau-brasil arrived in the process of extinction. This hampered the economy of the metropolis, which quickly developed other ways of enriching itself, for example, with the production of sugar cane, which was already cultivated in Portuguese colonies.
To this end, at the beginning of the 16th century, the Portuguese used the process of trading with the Indians to obtain pau-brasil.
Later, they began to enslave the Indians, forcing them to cut down the trees, as African slaves were very expensive.
This imposition was very difficult for the Portuguese, as the Indians fled and knew the territory better. In addition, they contracted several diseases from the white man, which led to the death of thousands of indigenous people.
It was in 1570 that indigenous slavery was banned for the first time, however, it remained until the end of the 18th century. Gradually, the Indians were replaced by African slaves.
Although most of the exploitation of wood was carried out in the first decade, it remained until the following century, when it lost its importance in the consumer market. That's because transport was expensive and another product was starting to be marketed:sugar.
Want to know more about the topic? Also read the articles :
- Colonial Brazil
- Pre-Colonial Period
- Slavery in Brazil
- Baiano Recôncavo
- Indigenous Slavery in Colonial Brazil
Fun fact:Did you know?
Currently, pau-brasil is used by several musical groups in the making of instruments. The wood has an ideal density that provides a perfect timbre of the instruments made by it, mainly violins and cellos.
Also know other economic cycles in Brazil :
- Economic Cycles in Brazil
- Sugar Cane Cycle
- Gold Cycle
- Cotton Cycle in Brazil
- Coffee Cycle
- Rubber Cycle
- Exercises Colonial Brazil