Princess Paula 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

Eating Without Cutlery

Meals were often eaten without cutlery, using hands to shape manioc flour into balls, known as pirão, which were dipped into broth and meat.

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

Decorated lead mules guided the way

Lead mules were decorated with ornaments like peacock feathers, shells, and ribbons, and wore a bell to help guide the rest of the herd.