Using the unexplored documental inheritage from two of São Paulo’s province tax outposts, Rio Negro and Itapetininga, this work analyses the structure of the commercializing system for cargo animals - mules and horses - established between imperial Brazil’s southern and south-central regions. The analysis covers the period from 1830 to 1869 and captures several aspects. Initially, we present the statistical series compiled with respect to negotiated volumes, putting them in perspective with other available statistical evidences. We then proceed by studying the negotiated herds’ structure and their property distribution, carefully examining the share of both animal species in the whole market and the concentration levels verified in the business. Finally, we briefly examine the patterns of spatial distribution for the business correlated activities, as well as the interrelations among participants and the different possible ways of integration in this complex system.
market for cattle herds; domestic market; Rio Negro tax outpost; Itapetininga tax outpost; cargo mules
