“Sweet Masters”: The Order of Saint Benedict and the “Good Treatment” of Slaves, Brazil, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries

Objective/Context: This article aims to discuss the idea of “good treatment” given slaves, as well concept benevolence and paternalism in rural Brazilian properties, by using data on Benedictine Congregation Brazil, it was richest most influential religious order country nineteenth century. Methodology: The documentation analyzed based “antidiscipline” coined Michel de Certeau. sources highlight a complex efficient control network imposed enslaved; nevertheless, is necessary assess these documents (produced monks themselves) from different perspective, daily life slaves marked appropriations, tactics, bricolages, other surreptitious forms constructed subordinates. helps rethink manorial strategies Benedictines, which has caught attention many writers. Originality: Although historiography already demonstrated that there no such thing “mild” slavery, several authors highlighted ‘“soft” treatment experienced properties. In this context, discusses how why institution used discourses practices aimed improve living conditions their farms, highlighting role Christian ideals building an long-lasting “model” slave management, described example “benevolence” treatment.” Conclusions: writers twentieth centuries underlined valued captives, study demonstrates “sweeter” part management strategy, ensuring vegetative growth smooth functioning work, with expectation producing obedient, disciplined, loyal slaves. way, they contributed perpetuating image “softer” slavery lands.