The region as artifact: the Cariri in the second half of the nineteenth century

In the second half of nineteenth century, the known Cariri region, located in the south of Ceara, stood out in hinterland to be known as an "oasis" in semiarid area, due to its vegetation, presence of water fountains and fertile grounds. A discussion was established about that region being the "granary" of the hinterlands. This article intends to understand how in the regional area, the discussion about nature served as political asset for the progress idea development through labor, which in the enclosed historical context in the temporality, reflected on the free workers submission in several economic conditions and enslaved ones. It intends to analyze how different social classes have established their identities and experiences in the region, the contradictions arising from social inequality, as well as the control practices established by masters and different forms of workers resistance.