ABSTRACT
Despite their similarity with European prints of earlier centuries, Brazilian woodcuts have a distinct character of their own. This is largely explained by the fact that they are rooted in the patterns of life, customs and beliefs of rural North East Brazil. Many illustrations depicting rural migrants escaping the effects of the drought in the interior, or workers tending to crops or livestock, were produced for the covers of folhetos dealing with such themes, but North East traditions have become one of the major topics of the large-scale woodcut prints now made for tourist consumption. They present an idealized vision of rural life, but still record important customs, such as festivals, rodeos, music, dance and work practices. The contrast between the cultural wealth of the North East and its economic poverty is powerfully conveyed by the woodcut artist.
