Gestury Study of Pottery Material from Gramado Archeological site, Brotas county, São Paulo state, Brazil.

Author(s)

Marianne Sallum

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (MAE)
• Defense date: 2011-09-20

Examining board members

Marisa Coutinho Afonso; Paulo Antonio Dantas de Blasis; Angela Maria Gonçalves Buarque

• Advisor: Marisa Coutinho Afonso

Abstract

This dissertation presents a deep study on pottery material related to tupiguarani tradition from Gramado archeological site, located at Brotas county, middle Tietê valley, São Paulo State, Brasil. These materials were deposited in University of São Paulo Museum of Archeology and Ethnology (MAE-USP), since 1994. This research used several approaches and techniques, including distribution analysis, density mapping, ceramic attribute analysis, chemical vestiges analysis, X-ray fluorescence, experimentation approach and research in previous literature, all them aiming to understand features related to pottery, possible uses, reconstitution of \"chaine operatoire\" (operating chain). The analysis begins at material choice, reaching pigment identification, engobe application, drying process, temperature and time burning process. All analysis had as leading axis the \"experimentation\" approach, as a way for comprehension of body attitude printed in clay. This analysis started from artistic and technological choices from the studied population. The spatial distribution analysis showed that, where the funerary vessel it was found (that lead to the discovery of the archeological site). There were some interesting ceramic fragment concentrations (hundreds per square meter) that demonstrate that this site is very rich and promising for new excavations. The ceramic attribute analysis showed a broad diversity of forms, decorations, thicknesses and served as basis for experimentation research. It was found the domination of plastic decorations, but many paintings, clearly related to \"tupiguarani\" tradition. The painting analysis reproduced geometric patterns, rich in white backgrounds, red transversal rows, and rich in black drawings. The x-ray fluorescence analysis showed that ceramic paste was relatively homogeneous and that paintings had mineral nature. The analysis showed that paintings were set by the engobe technique, what means that mineral stains were applied before burning, when ceramics was reaching a certain humidity level called \"ponto de couro\" (literally leather point). That point is the humidity that the piece is suitable to receive engobe and fix it so after drying is suitable to go to oven. The attribute analysis and experimentation approach allowed reconstructing steps of a plausible operating chain, clarifying that painting were applied before burning and corrugate decoration was associated to natural gests used when connecting clay rolls, not necessary related to decorative motivation. The experimentation approach showed that the ceramic pieces need a precise time for painting application (engobe) and that the piece fabrication demands a deep domination of pottery techniques, as well as particular social conditions, suitable for pottery production, correct dying and proper controlled burning. So the experimentation approach has corroborated the idea that the pottery also express cultural and social features, expressed in clay. This work demonstrated that the gesture study reflects, not only, individual aspects, but as well social relations, organizational aspects of a society, printed in burned clay. (AU)