Princess Francisca of Brazil

What people wore

Informal home attire for men

Brazilian men often discarded stiff outer layers at home, wearing only a cotton shirt, knee-length breeches, and clogs. Only a few elite men owned nightgowns, which were used to signal worldliness and status.

Daily life

Lack of Running Water and Sewage

Even in wealthy city homes, there was no piped water or sewage system; water was carried by enslaved people from public fountains or streams, while waste was often dumped into the street.

Music

Common instruments of the era

The viola was the preferred instrument across Brazil during this period, while the piano remained a rare and expensive luxury item found only in the wealthiest households. Musicians often crafted their own instruments, including flutes, fiddles, tambourines, and scrapers like the reco-reco.

At the table

Dining on the floor

In many homes, especially outside the elite, families did not use tables; they sat on the floor around a mat, eating from bowls and gourds.

Getting around

Inspection fees paid in réis

Caravans crossing between Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro paid fees of 250 to 370 réis per mule to pass inspection points.