Скачать или смотреть Analysis and Experimental Replication of Bone Artifacts from the Central Coast of Rio Grande do Sul

by Julia Camargo
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande
[email protected]

Studies conducted in the past indicated the existence of a large number of archaeological sites on the central coast of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Unfortunately, even with this great potential for research, very few archaeological analysis were made on the material collected from the several marine and lacustrine shellmounds and ancient landfills known as “Cerritos” that were registered in the region. Understanding that, this work focuses on giving special attention to the deer bones, antlers and fish vertebrae artifacts fabricated by the groups that once lived there. The goal is understanding the technology and the process of workmanship behind these objects, comprehending that as well as other types of archaeological industries, the bone industry can contribute to the definition of cultural contexts and temporal sequences, thus allowing, amongst other aspects, the recognition of time-space relations, occupation, contact and cultural exchanges between different groups. The first stage of the research classifies and measures them, while also observing taphonomic and manufacturing marks visible under the microscope to raise information about the fabrication process and the resources being used. Later, through Experimental Archaeology, the replication of the bone tools confirms, denies and creates more hypotheses about the crafting process of the artifacts, complementing the analysis being made. In this case, different materials, including granite, basalt, sandstone and shells have been used to cut, scrape and polish bones so the marks they left on the replicated tool could be compared to those observed in archaeological context. Through this systematic investigation of the bone industries found in archaeological sites in the Central Coast of Rio Grande do Sul, this work aims to begin to understand and define its characteristics, the stages of their manufacture and the various ways in which these groups occupied the environment and used its resources.

Keywords: Experimental archaeology; Bone tools; Cerritos