Infante Sebastian of Portugal and Spain

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 out for 800 réis

By 1816, specialized dining houses in Rio de Janeiro offered public table service for 800 réis per person, including wine or liquor.

Daily life

Lack of water and sewage infrastructure

Running water and sewage systems were non-existent, so enslaved people transported water from public fountains or rivers in buckets and removed waste using barrels known as tigres. Bathing often occurred in small basins or tubs, sometimes using tin sheets.

What people wore

Expensive official uniforms

In 1815, a government official described his official uniform as shameful because it cost nearly 120$000 réis, which was a very high price.

Getting around

High cost and time for transport

Transporting one arroba (about 14.7 kg) of sugar from Campinas to the port of Santos cost between 340 and 400 réis and took 12 days of travel.

What it cost

Wages and subsistence costs

In Rio de Janeiro, daily wages for laborers rose from 120 réis to 320 réis between 1765 and 1821, while in Recife, the daily cost to sustain an enslaved person was 120 réis.