'Virgulino Ferreira da Silva, "Lampião", was the most well-known cangaciero (lit. bandit, brigand). From an early age he witnessed injustice and cruelty committed in the name of the law. He formed a band of cangaceiros and in time became de facto ruler of the sertão (backlands), doling out justice to those who stole from the people. Oral poet and composer, he composed the song "Mulher Rendeira" [Woman Lacemaker]. He traveled over the sertão several times in every direction, always accompanied by his companions and his wife Maria Bonita. He was killed on July 28, 1938, together with Maria Bonita and some of his companions near Angicos, in Rio Grande do Norte' (Calendário Histórico dos Trabalhadores. São Paulo: MST, Setor de Educação. 3a. edição, 1999, p. 56).