he three "Danças Características Africanas" ("Characteristic African Dances") - "Farrapós", "Kankukus" e "Kankikis" - sub-titled "Dances of the Mixed-Blood Indians of Brazil" were originally written for piano solo between 1914 and 1915. He says he was inspired by themes of the Caripuna Indians of Mato Grosso whose race was supposedly a result of Indians cross-breeding with Blacks. The "Danças" mark the beginning of the development of Villa-Lobos’ mood, which would be consolidated in the 20s on his travels through Europe. During the Week of Modern Art, they were presented for octet (flute, clarinet, piano and string quartet), scored by Villa-Lobos himself.