Tiradentes

Lore & Background

Tiradentes was born on the Fazenda do Pombal, the fourth of seven children of Portuguese-born Domingos da Silva Santos and Brazilian-born Antônia da Encarnação Xavier. He received no regular education and entered the tutelage of his uncle, a dentist. He worked as a peddler, miner, and pharmacy partner, and practiced dentistry, earning the nickname Tiradentes ("tooth puller"), a pejorative term used during his trial. He also occasionally worked as a doctor using knowledge of medicinal plants acquired from his cousin, a botanist. Using knowledge of minerals from mining, he became a terrain surveyor and later joined the Minas Gerais Dragoon Regiment. He was given command of a detachment along the Caminho Novo road, where he witnessed the massive exportation of gold to Portugal, which he saw as exploitation. Dissatisfied with his low rank and systematic denial of promotion, he was eventually dismissed. Trips to Rio de Janeiro put him in contact with people who brought liberal ideas from Europe. Conspirator Joaquim Silvério dos Reis exposed the plot in exchange for a tax waiver. Tiradentes was arrested, tried over nearly three years, and sentenced to death. His body was quartered and displayed in Vila Rica; his head was sent to Ouro Preto but subsequently lost.

Reader's Guide

Tiradentes is significant as the most prominent figure of the Inconfidência Mineira, the first major movement for Brazilian independence from Portugal. Although the revolt failed and he was executed, his martyrdom became a powerful symbol for later republicans. His legacy is commemorated in place names across Brazil, including a city in Minas Gerais, squares in several major cities, and a battalion of the Brazilian Army. The movement he led, though unsuccessful, is seen as a precursor to Brazil's eventual independence, and his willingness to accept full responsibility for the conspiracy cemented his place in national memory as a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression.

Did You Know?

• Tiradentes's nickname means 'tooth puller' and was a pejorative term used during his trial.
• He made false teeth that seemed natural, according to a contemporary brother.
• The proposed flag for the independent republic had a green triangle on a white background with the Latin motto 'Libertas Quae Sera Tamen'.
• His head was displayed in Ouro Preto but was subsequently lost.