This is an educational resource based on the Wikipedia article about Tefé. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Tefé: Echoes of the Solimões

Discover the historical depth and geographical significance of Tefé, a vital municipality nestled within the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.

Explore Tefé 👇 Location Details 📍

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Introduction to Tefé

Municipal Overview

Tefé, historically known as Teffé or Ega, is a significant municipality situated in the state of Amazonas, within the northern region of Brazil. It lies strategically on the south bank of the majestic Rio Solimões, the upper course of the Amazon River, specifically at the mouth of the Tefé River, forming a notable lake.

Nickname and Significance

Affectionately known as "Princesinha do Rio Solimões" (the "Little Princess of the Solimões River"), Tefé serves as a crucial commercial and cultural center for the middle Solimões region. Its historical importance is underscored by its role as a key settlement established during the early colonial period.

Geographic Context

Located approximately 525 km by air or 595 km by river west of Manaus, Tefé is a major hub in the Amazon basin. Its extensive municipal area spans 23,704.426 km², housing a population of 59,547 inhabitants as of 2020, evenly distributed between urban and rural settings.

Historical Trajectory

Colonial Foundations

The origins of Tefé trace back to the early 17th century, with Portuguese Carmelite missionaries establishing settlements. By 1620, they had achieved conversions among the indigenous Murá people residing around Lake Tefé and nearby rivers. The mission Parauarí, established on Ilha dos Veados, was relocated across the lake to its present site due to a smallpox epidemic in the early 18th century.

In 1759, Commandant Joaquim de Mello da Povoas formalized the Carmelite mission into a town named Ega. This settlement was later elevated to the status of a city and officially named Tefé in 1855, although it was known by this name prior.

The naturalist Henry W. Bates documented his travels in the 1850s, detailing the cultural exchanges between indigenous populations and the inhabitants of Ega. He noted the rapid assimilation of the Tupi language among the natives, highlighting its prevalence despite the Amazon's linguistic diversity.

Further solidifying its ecclesiastical importance, an apostolic prefecture, now known as the Prelature of Tefé, was established in 1910 by priests from the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.

Indigenous Context

Early interactions involved the Carmelite missionaries and the indigenous Murá people. Henry Walter Bates's observations in the mid-19th century provide valuable ethnographic insights into the cultural dynamics and linguistic landscape of the region, particularly the widespread use of the Tupi language along the Amazonian waterways.

Geographical Landscape

Location and Access

Tefé is situated on the southern bank of the Rio Solimões, positioned at the confluence where the Tefé River forms a lake. It is located approximately 525 km northwest of Manaus by air and 595 km by river. The nearest significant urban center is Coari, located 192 km to the southeast. Access to Tefé is primarily via riverboat or aircraft, with flights connecting to Tefé Airport from Manaus.

Area and Population

The municipality covers an expansive area of 23,704.426 square kilometers (9,152.330 square miles). As of 2020, its population was recorded at 59,547, with a balanced distribution between its urban center and surrounding rural communities. The population density is approximately 2.51 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Ecological Zones

Tefé lies within the Juruá-Purus moist forests ecoregion, a biodiversity hotspot critical to the Amazonian ecosystem. The municipality encompasses significant portions of protected areas, including:

  • Tefé National Forest: Established in 1989, covering 46% of the forest's area.
  • Catuá-Ipixuna Extractive Reserve: Created in 2003, with Tefé municipality containing 33.85% of its total area.

These reserves highlight Tefé's role in conservation efforts within the Amazon.

Climate Profile

Temperature and Precipitation

Tefé experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. The average daily mean temperature hovers around 26.8°C (80.2°F). Temperatures typically range from a mean daily minimum of 22.5°C (72.5°F) to a mean daily maximum of 32.4°C (90.3°F).

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record High °C (°F) 37.4
(99.3)
39.7
(103.5)
37.2
(99.0)
36.4
(97.5)
36.0
(96.8)
36.8
(98.2)
37.4
(99.3)
37.6
(99.7)
38.6
(101.5)
38.2
(100.8)
37.6
(99.7)
37.6
(99.7)
39.7
(103.5)
Mean Daily Max °C (°F) 32.1
(89.8)
32.1
(89.8)
32.3
(90.1)
32.1
(89.8)
31.7
(89.1)
31.7
(89.1)
32.2
(90.0)
33.0
(91.4)
33.4
(92.1)
33.3
(91.9)
32.8
(91.0)
32.5
(90.5)
32.4
(90.3)
Daily Mean °C (°F) 26.6
(79.9)
26.5
(79.7)
26.7
(80.1)
26.7
(80.1)
26.5
(79.7)
26.3
(79.3)
26.4
(79.5)
27.0
(80.6)
27.3
(81.1)
27.1
(80.8)
27.1
(80.8)
26.8
(80.2)
26.8
(80.2)
Mean Daily Min °C (°F) 22.6
(72.7)
22.6
(72.7)
22.5
(72.5)
22.7
(72.9)
22.7
(72.9)
22.1
(71.8)
21.9
(71.4)
22.2
(72.0)
22.3
(72.1)
22.5
(72.5)
22.7
(72.9)
22.6
(72.7)
22.5
(72.5)
Record Low °C (°F) 18.0
(64.4)
15.8
(60.4)
18.2
(64.8)
18.9
(66.0)
18.4
(65.1)
14.6
(58.3)
14.9
(58.8)
15.4
(59.7)
18.8
(65.8)
19.4
(66.9)
18.8
(65.8)
19.0
(66.2)
14.6
(58.3)
Avg. Precipitation mm (inches) 274.2
(10.80)
247.1
(9.73)
306.5
(12.07)
297.1
(11.70)
254.3
(10.01)
158.2
(6.23)
120.5
(4.74)
96.4
(3.80)
132.9
(5.23)
160.3
(6.31)
181.0
(7.13)
217.2
(8.55)
2,445.7
(96.29)
Avg. Precip. Days (≥ 1.0 mm) 18 17 18 19 17 14 11 9 11 12 13 16 175
Avg. Relative Humidity (%) 90.0 89.0 89.4 89.9 90.8 89.0 88.1 86.8 86.6 87.5 88.2 89.2 88.7
Avg. Sunshine Hours 140.2 112.3 127.5 125.2 130.9 142.5 181.0 191.8 180.2 170.3 148.3 140.9 1,791.1

Source: INMET, Meteo Climat

Ecological Significance

Ecoregion and Biodiversity

Tefé is situated within the Juruá-Purus moist forests ecoregion, a critical component of the Amazon biome renowned for its rich biodiversity. This region supports a vast array of flora and fauna, characteristic of the Amazon basin's unique ecological systems.

Protected Areas

The municipality plays a vital role in conservation, hosting significant portions of protected natural areas:

  • Tefé National Forest (FLONA de Tefé): Established in 1989, this federal conservation unit aims to promote sustainable forest management. Tefé municipality contains 46% of its total area.
  • Catuá-Ipixuna Extractive Reserve (RESEX Catuá-Ipixuna): Created in 2003, this reserve is dedicated to the sustainable use of forest resources by traditional populations. It was the first extractive reserve established in the state of Amazonas, with Tefé municipality encompassing 33.85% of its territory.

These areas underscore Tefé's importance in preserving the Amazon's natural heritage.

Cultural Heritage

Linguistic and Social Fabric

Historically, Tefé was a meeting point for indigenous groups and European settlers. Henry Walter Bates observed the widespread use of the Tupi language, noting its role as a lingua franca across the Amazonian region, facilitating communication among diverse populations. The town of Ega, as Tefé was once known, served as a significant site for cultural exchange.

The "Little Princess"

The evocative nickname, "Princesinha do Rio Solimões", reflects Tefé's perceived charm and importance within the vast Solimões River basin. It signifies its role as a central hub, connecting communities and commerce along this vital Amazonian artery, embodying a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural resilience.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Tef U00e9" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about tef_u00e9 while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

References

References

  1.  IBGE 2020
  2.  IBGE - [1]
  3.  Henry W. Bates in 1851 said the settlement had been inhabited for 170 years, which would place its founding a bit earlier, around 1680.
  4.  Henry W. Bates gave this description: "[Ega] is built on a small tract of cleared land at the lower or eastern end of the lake...On the opposite shore of the broad expanse stands a small village, called Nogueira".
A full list of references for this article are available at the Tefé Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Educational Context

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational and informational purposes. It is based on data extracted from Wikipedia and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Tefé, Amazonas. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, this page does not constitute professional advice or an exhaustive representation of the subject.

Accuracy and Completeness: The information presented reflects the state of the source data at the time of processing and may not include the latest developments or nuances. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and expert resources for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.