Pedro II of Brazil

Dom Pedro II, known as "the Magnanimous", was the second and final emperor of the Empire of Brazil. He reigned from 1831 until his deposition in the military coup of 1889, presiding over the longest and most stable reign in Brazilian history.

Expensive official uniforms

In 1815, a government official described his official uniform as shameful because it cost nearly 120$000 réis, which was a very high price.

Everyday clothing for children and workers

Children often went completely naked in their early years, while enslaved women working in fields or as laborers frequently wore only a simple shirt. In some urban settings, young girls began wearing skirts around age 6 to 11, with differences in style reflecting social status.

Common instruments in 19th-century homes

In the early 19th century, the viola and guitar were the most popular instruments for accompanying songs at home, while the piano only became more common in wealthy households from the 1830s onwards.

Music in religious festivals

Religious festivals often featured processions with choirs, orchestras, and traditional groups like congados, which were pantomimic folk dances of African origin.

High cost and time for transport

Transporting one arroba (about 14.7 kg) of sugar from Campinas to the port of Santos cost between 340 and 400 réis and took 12 days of travel.

Inspection fees paid in réis

Caravans crossing between Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro paid fees of 250 to 370 réis per mule to pass inspection points.

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.

Lack of Running Water and Sewage

Even in wealthy city homes, there was no piped water or sewage system; water was carried by enslaved people from public fountains or streams, while waste was often dumped into the street.

Dining out for 800 réis

By 1816, specialized dining houses in Rio de Janeiro offered public table service for 800 réis per person, including wine or liquor.

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.