Mandu Ladino Revolt

A ceramic statue of Mandu Ladino in the Central de Artesanato Mestre Dezinho in Teresina

Mandu Ladino was born in São Miguel do Tapuio. His parents died when he was 12. Ladino was then sent to the Cariri village of Boqueirão where he was taught by a Capuchin priest ostensibly called Lucé. Ladino stayed there for eight years, before witnessing another teacher, Martinho, burning all the sacred images of the indigenous people. As a result, Martinho’s church was burnt down and killed by a blow to the head. After this, Ladino fled to a farm in Alegrete do Piauí to work as a slave. He then saw the chief's daughter murdered, so he gathered some Arani Indians to execute the residents.[2]

In 1701, due to a law, cattle ranches were forced to intrude into indigenous habitats. Enraged, the indigenous people started the movement by killing farmer Antônio da Cunha Souto because of his cruelty. The revolt, led by Ladino, spread to Maranhão, Piauí and Ceará. Many Portuguese settlers were killed and more than a hundred ranches were destroyed.[3] They also burned down many churches, however they made sure to remove any religious images before doing so.

The Portuguese, with the help of Jesuits from Serra Grande and led by Bernando de Carvalho de Aguiar, decided to counterattack by sending an expedition against the insurgents. Ladino managed to escape the forces-however the remaining Aranis were killed. In 1716, Ladino was killed by the Tobajaras after trying to flee in the Parnaíba River.[4]