ASPECTOS SÓCIO-TERRITORIAIS DAS IRMANDADES DAS ALMAS NOS SERTÕES DA CAPITANIA DO RIO GRANDE

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the socio-territorial aspects of the "Irmandade das Almas da Freguesia de São João Baptista do Assu", from the Capitania of Rio Grande and Comarca of Paraíba, as a cell of social organization of the backlands, at the time of colonial Brazil. To this end, the "Treslado do Compromisso da Confraria das Almas da Matriz de São João Baptista do Assu", dated 1766, is analyzed, together with specialized bibliography. The Catholic brotherhoods conditioned several power relations, being, therefore, the product and reflection of social organization and civil and ecclesiastical jurisdiction.