This paper analyses certain aspects of the activities of the Jesuit
missionaly José de Anchieta (1534-1597) regarding the Brazilian
Indians. In bis work, De gestis Mendi de Saa, bis plays and his countless
letters, we discover exotic descriptions, innumerable pieces of information
and details of all kind. Ahl these data -of noteworthy ethnographic and
anthropological value- evidence, at the same time, Father Anchieta's state
of mind and disposition as defender and protector of the aborigines. This
attitude constitutes bis most creditable feature, and bis personal style has
gained recognitWn in the context of the European Christian civilization.
