Presídias dos terceiros do Carmo de Vila Rica: territorialidade e rede confraternal em Minas Gerais, 1744-1848

Abstract

The research deals with the institutional configuration of the Third Order of Carmo in the political-administrative capital of the mining territory, Vila Rica or Ouro Preto, through its subsidiaries, the presídias (local presidencies), whose dissemination has been overcome the boundaries of the captaincy / province of Minas Gerais, in the interior of Brazil. The presídias provided increased incomes to the headquarters of the Third Order (payments, donations, concessions) that were not accessible to that fraternities which were reduced to parochial jurisdiction. The Order’s subsidiaries were fundamental devices which provided local integration of the associates (trade agents or emigrants) and fraternity stablishment, with highlighted role in the alliances based on friendship and kinship. This religious association of territorial coverage, and the network of parishes in Minas Gerais (mother churches and chapels), contributed to the creation of a political-economic elite and to the identities of the power agents (white people, lords, political authorities, military), contributing as well to forge notions of community belonging and group recognition (according to the estate). Through the diffusion of the presídias, in addition, one can seize the market of symbolic goods related to carmelite’s devotional practices.