True History: An Account of Cannibal Captivity in Brazil recounts various observations Hans Staden, a German explorer, had of a tribal group in Brazil called Tupinambá. This travel log consists of two introductions, a list of illustrations, and a two-part narrative, with fifty-three chapters and thirty-six chapters, respectively. Staden introduces cannibalism as a cultural and religious practice alongside his survival journey. He shares his personal views on the indigenous culture, traditions, and lifestyle from the perspective of a European captive. Staden’s experience begins with his capture by two Tupinambá males—Jeppipo Wasu and Alkindar Miri—who took him to a small village called Uwattibi [Ubatuba]. He initially felt fear because they desired to eat his flesh. Religious rituals such as singing, dancing, and worship that suggested cannibalistic intentions compounded his fear. Ipperu Wasu, who held Staden as a captive, gave Staden to Alkindar Miri in return of a favor. Staden believed his death would involve barbaric methods, as he underwent a series of rites. The Tupinambá people decorated him with strings and rings, and further continued to dance as a form of ritual. The Tupinambá distrusted the Portuguese, favoring the French, who established diplomatic relations through trade. The Tupinambá people categorized Staden as Portuguese, which put his life at risk. The two natives who captured Staden harbored hostility against the Portuguese, who had slain their father. Their desire for revenge promised to ensure Staden’s fate. Despite Staden’s attempt to convince the Tupinambá by lying about his nationality, a Frenchman disproved Staden’s claim to be French. Staden believed the Frenchman would support him, based on their mutual religious background. Instead, the Frenchman sided with the Tupinambá and departed as soon as he had his load ready. After several days' imprisonment, the Tupinambá transported Staden to another village, called Arirab [Ariro], where he met their highest king,
Konyan Bebe. During his visit, Staden continued to persuade the king that he was not an enemy. He flattered the king by noting his fierce and belligerent personality, while the king proceeded in questioning Staden’s nationality as well as sharing stories of how he had slain the Portuguese. After his interrogation, the Tupinambá brought Staden back to Uwattibi. Staden expected to be killed upon arrival. However, the Tupiniquins attacked the village, during which time Staden volunteered to assist the Tupinambá in combat. Despite his display of
fealty, Staden again was placed under surveillance. In Part II, Staden shares his observations on the Tupinambá nature, culture, and lifestyle. His perception of South America was dominated by the rich forest and mountains. He describes the indigenous people as savages who were naked, dark skinned, dextrous, and had facial paintings. He notes that the dwellings were well protected from enemies, with resources such as food and wood located within their huts. Staden notes the technology devised by the indigenous people. He recounts how the natives created fire through using friction, which later plays a crucial role in manufacturing cooking utensils such as pots. In regions with no European presence, the natives use animal tools to cut and hew, as they are unaware of axes, knives, and scissors. Some European influence was scattered across the indigenous population. Staden mentions that a few tribal groups who participated in trade with the Europeans consumed salt, whereas those who did not do so ate no salt. He mentions boiling as an essential part of the culinary culture. The indigenous hunting techniques that involved using tools such as bows, arrows, and nets served as a huge contributor to the food supply. Staden states “It seldom happens that a man returns empty-handed from hunting.” Although Staden notes the indigenous communities “do not have any particular form of government or law,” he notes that chiefs were integral political figures who tended to show competency in waging war and that
social hierarchy existed in indigenous societies. == Reception ==