Analyzes the socioeconomic history of the slave system of Minas Gerais in Brazil from 1776 to 1821. Transition from slave-based economy to agricultural and cattle economy; Economic dependence on slave labor; Slave importation; Contributing factors to decline of slave practices.
Suggests an orientation for the scrutiny of black lay societies in Brazil. Ethnicity in the formation and development of black lay societies; Changes in the development of black lay societies
