“Ser índio” na fronteira: limites e possibilidadesRio da Prata, c. 1750-1800

The southern border of the Iberian colonial empires in America was a region disputed during the entire process of colonization. Focusing the second half of the 18th century, the article intends to demonstrate how the Indians established in the Jesuit missions of the Paraguay used such dispute in their favor. It is considered that the border status was essential for the building of their strategies, also influencing on the diverse significances and possibilities that the “Indian” status acquired in the region