Lampião was the most famous of the cangaceiros or bandits in the backlands of NE Brazil in the early 20^th century, leading a gang of up to 100 bandits in raids against the paramilitary police. His real name was Virgulino Ferreira da Silva and he acquired the nickname 'Lampião' allegedly because he could fire a lever-action rifle so fast, that at night it looked as though he was holding a lamp. Maria Bonita was his partner who fought alongside him as did many other female ‘cangaceiras’. Lampião, Maria Bonita and 9 of their gang were killed in a gunfight in July 1938 and their heads were put on public display. Lampião is viewed as a folk hero in Brazil with stories and songs written about him, a little like a modern-day Robin Hood.

Woodcut with screenprint
59.5 x 84 cm
£150
Edition size: 14