Landscape archeology: study of archaeological sites in the northern region of the state of São Paulo

Author(s)

Juliana Aparecida Rocha Luz Zago

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Presidente Prudente. 2017-03-23.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia. Presidente Prudente
• Defense date: 2017-02-02
• Advisor: João Osvaldo Rodrigues Nunes; Neide Barrocá Faccio

Abstract

Archaeological studies, carried out to date, point to an occupation of ceramic farmers groups associated with Tradição Aratu in the northern region of the State of São Paulo. Knowing the interpretive limits inherent to the concept of archaeological tradition, we started with this hypothesis to investigate the pattern of settlement of the area of 12 archaeological sites, based on landscape investigations. These sites were located in the northern region of the State of São Paulo, in the Municipalities of Guaíra, Miguelopólis and Barretos. These are lithic, lithic-ceramic and ceramic sites. A study of this context was made through the Landscape Archeology and Cultural Geography bias. The results of the analysis of the physical environment and of the material culture were investigated in order to understand the settlement systems of the social groups that occupied the area over time and how these groups organized the internal space of their housing areas and Activities. For this purpose, bibliographical surveys, field work in the areas of archaeological sites, aerial photographs and satellite images were carried out. For the systematization of the data, spreadsheets and geographic information system (GIS) programs were used. For the preliminary analysis of the lytic and ceramic collections, approaches were used to reconstitute the operative production chains of the artifacts, in order to understand how the raw material was acquired, the production, the use and the disposal of the instruments, from of a techno-typological analysis. The results showed the existence of a hunter-gatherer settlement system, represented by Santana do Figueirão, Santana do Figueirão II, Água Azul and Agua Azul II Sites; A pottery farmer settlement system, represented by the Bela Vista Sites of Jacaré, Vassoural São José, Cervo, Capão Escuro, Água Azul and Agua Azul II, New India, Rosario, Santo Antônio do Lajeado and Balsamina; In addition to reoccupied areas, demonstrating a palimpsest site system, represented by Água Azul and Água Azul II Sites. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/01148-1 - Landscape Archeology: a study of archeological sites in the northern region of Sao Paulo state
• Grantee: Juliana Aparecida Rocha Luz Zago
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate