Representações antropomórficas na cerâmica marajoara (apliques, apêndices e estatuetas)

Abstract

The way in which the human figure is presented in prehistoric ceramics has aroused research interest in its meaning. In the present work we emphasize the aesthetic patterns established in Marajoara pottery, seeking to identify in the anthropomorphic representations the relations of similarities and differences, instituted by the formal composition of the piece and having as theoretical reference studies of art, physical and aesthetic anthropology. We established as variables the location of the sites of origin of the ceramics in the regions of Camutins and east of the Ararí lake and the type of paste composition, which could be simple Camutins or simple Inajás. This study aims to contribute to the project of reorganization and documentation of the archeological collection of the Mário Ferreira Simões Technical Reserve, adding to previous works. We carried out the description of 200 pieces among appliqués, appendages and statuettes, and other complementary objects, classified and analyzed according to attribute cards associated with detailed measurements, drawings and photographs for better observation. The data were processed in spreadsheets with the use of Excel 5.0 software. Basically 12 types of human representations were identified in Marajoara ceramics, and the majority consisted of whole and semi-whole heads, which morphologically presented two significant basic characteristics: conical and tabular cranial model. We suppose, with the comparative analysis of the data, that the anthropomorphic representations exhibit physiognomic traits identified to the "imitative pantomime", with a degree of variability in relation to culturally established structural patterns.