Chica da Silva: Myth and Reality in an Extreme Case of Social Mobility

Abstract

The story of Chica da Silva, a well-known historical figure in Brazil's popular culture, is examined, contrasting existing public records with myths about her life in Tijuco, the small town that became the world's center of diamond explotation in the XVIII century. Through her union with the King of Portugal's overseer of diamond extraction, this former slave gained access to a life of luxury and power far beyond that of other women of similar origins. Chica built a stable family, participated in religious organizations in her community, learned to write, and even supported artistic activities; while both written sources and many oral traditions depict her cruelty and promiscuity, these are contradicted by evidence of her social acceptance by the white elite and slaves alike. Myths can be best understood as diffuse but pervasive mechanisms of social control. Chica's trajectory remains a significant example of the power of individuals who believe in their own worth and ability to affect social change by altering expected patterns of superior/subordinate relationships.