COLONIAL COLLECTING EXPEDITIONS AND THE PURSUIT OF OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AMAZONIAN SERTÃO, C. 1750-1800.

The article explores the history of expeditions during Portuguese colonial rule in the Amazon river region to collect cacao, sarsaparilla, nuts, and turtle eggs. The author reflects on the hardships endured by the Indian crewmen on the expeditions as opposed to the economic opportunities the expeditions promised. Emphasis is given to an analysis of voluntary participation versus coerced participation among Indians and how the expeditions enabled independent action, the development of social networks, and affected the economic development of native Amazonians.