Obrigavas

Obrigavas is a term that appears in certain historical Portuguese documents, particularly those related to the medieval period and the early stages of Portuguese colonization. It refers to a type of tax or tribute that was levied on agricultural produce or livestock. The specific nature of the obrigavas could vary depending on the region and the period in which it was collected, but it generally represented a portion of the farmer's or landowner's yield.

These obligations were often tied to feudal landholding systems and served as a means for lords, the Crown, or religious institutions to derive income from the land. The collection of obrigavas could be a complex process, involving estimations of harvest and livestock numbers, and sometimes leading to disputes. Over time, as economic and social structures evolved, the system of obrigavas gradually gave way to other forms of taxation and land tenure. While the term itself is now largely archaic, understanding obrigavas provides insight into the fiscal and economic practices of historical Portugal.