Maria Bonita (bandit)
Maria Bonita | |
|---|---|
Maria Bonita (Maria Déia) "Mrs Lampião" wearing a holstered pistol and a bandolier of ammunition over one shoulder. | |
| Born | Maria Déia |
| Died | July 28, 1938 |
| 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. There is some inconsistency over her original name, with Maria Alia da Silva and Maria Gomes de Oliveira also attributed.