River Guides, Geographical Informants, and Colonial Field Agents in the Portuguese Amazon.

This article discusses the role of colonial field agents in the development of maps and guides of the Portuguese Amazon, particularly during the latter half of the 18th century. The author considers the native toponyms of important geographical locations and features that were included on these maps. She also analyzes the relationships these field agents had with native populations, in which they collaborated to produce maps and guides of these remote areas. Cultural and linguistic barriers in the communication between these two groups are also explored.