 In the 18th century, in Minas Gerais, the Portuguese mined diamonds and gold. João Fernandes de Oliveira arrives from Lisbon with the Crown s exclusive contract for mining diamonds. He quickly asserts control, letting the intendant and other authorities know that he s onto their corruption. Xica, a slave of the local sergeant-major and possessed of phenomenal sexual drive and tricks that cause men to howl with pleasure, quickly captures João. He denies her no extravagance; miners die for his greed. Eventually Lisbon hears of João s excesses and sends an inspector. José, a political radical, provides Xica refuge; her unrelenting sexual tingle is Brazil s spirit.