Maria Bonita | |
---|---|
Born | Maria Déia |
Died | |
Cause of death | Shot by paramilitary police |
Occupation | Cangaceira |
Known for | Banditry, Murder, Robbery, Extortion |
Spouse(s) | José Nenem, Virgulino Ferreira da Silva (Lampião) |
Children | Expedita Ferreira |
Maria Bonita was the nickname of Maria Déia, a member of a Cangaço band, marauders and outlaws active in the Brazilian Northeast in the 1920s and 1930s. Maria Bonita means "Beautiful Maria". She has the status of a 'folk heroine' in Brazil.[1] There is some inconsistency over her original name, with Maria Alia da Silva and Maria Gomes de Oliveira also attributed.