This article looks at the construction of the Indian by government officials and intellectuals during the Estado Novo (1937–45), and the efforts of indigenous peoples to engage these images. State officials – concerned with national consolidation, territorial defense, and racial pedigree – upheld the Indian as an icon who had made invaluable contributions to Brazilian historical and cultural formation. The proto-patriot, however, could only be fully redeemed through government tutelage. Confronted by an ambiguous state project, indigenous groups demonstrated varied responses.