From Heroism to Atrocities

Ethnic-Racial Conflicts in the History of Rondônia

Abstract

This work analyzes two historical episodes in Rondônia: the bandeirante expedition led by Antônio Raposo Tavares in the 17th century and the Rondon Commission, responsible for the installation of telegraph lines in the early 20th century. Both are often portrayed as heroic milestones, but from a critical perspective, they reveal deep ties to colonialism, racism, and Eurocentrism. Tavares’ expedition, though celebrated for territorial expansion, promoted the enslavement of Indigenous peoples and the destruction of communities. Similarly, the Rondon Commission, under the guise of progress, perpetuated violence and assimilationist practices against Indigenous and Black workers. Using bibliographic review and iconographic analysis, the study questions the hegemonic narratives that glorify these figures while obscuring their atrocities. Drawing on authors such as Dagoberto Fonseca (2022) and Aníbal Quijano (2005), the work proposes a critical reflection on race, ethnicity, and Eurocentrism, emphasizing the need to retell history from marginalized perspectives. It concludes that deconstructing these narratives is essential for a more just and inclusive understanding of Rondônia’s history.