Tupinamba

The Tupinamba were Tupi-speaking peoples of Brazil's Atlantic coast, including communities around Bahia and between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. They initially helped the Portuguese enslave other Indigenous peoples, but later faced enslavement themselves.

In the 16th century, Tupinamba chiefs including Cunhambebe and Aimberê joined the Tamoio confederation against the Portuguese, receiving French support around Guanabara Bay. In 1565 Estácio de Sá founded Rio de Janeiro as a base for operations against the French and their Indigenous allies; Portuguese forces eventually expelled the French and devastated the Tamoio.