Book Helvécia - A Swiss Colonial History in Brazil

Helvécia, a village community in the south of the Brazilian state of Bahia, owes its name to the plantation from which it emerged. It was founded in 1818 by Swiss and German settlers who became very wealthy by growing coffee on their vast lands. This would not have been possible without exploitation: in the mid-19th century, there were 2,000 slaves of African origin for every 200 white settlers. With great sensitivity and in dialogue with the residents, the Swiss-Brazilian photographer Dom Smaz searched for traces of the past in Helvécia. His captivating images capture the vibrant village and the lives of its residents, while essays explain the historical circumstances. The resulting photo book encourages a post-colonial examination of the global interrelationships and power structures that extend into the present and are ultimately a source of European prosperity.