A faiança fina nos engenhos amazônicos dos séculos XVIII e XIX

Abstract

Archaeological investigations developed by researchers at the Goeldi Museum in the Amazon estuary have uncovered sites of sugar cane mills from the colonial period whose material evidence includes a large amount of fine earthenware fragments. In this sense, we aim to identify what are the main characteristics, varieties and patterns present of the fine earthenware in these sites. This material is a type of ceramic that was developed in England from the 18th century on, produced with a firing temperature between 600°C and 1500°C, based on clay, silica kaolin, borax and metallic oxides, calcined bones and feldspar, making it resistant to liquids and heat. It was widely used in the making of utilitarian dishes such as plates, saucers, cups, and bowls, and in hygienic objects such as basins, pitchers, and urinals. The methodology comprised a typological classification, with data regarding the depth where they were found, the place, the form/function, decoration techniques and motifs, types of glaze, coloration, and quantity. A bibliographical survey was also carried out directed to the interpretations about fine faience and considerations about the Amazonian sugar cane mills. As a result, the great majority of the fragments are representative of tableware. Regarding decoration techniques, the following varieties were identified: free-hand painted, plated, stamped, sponged, painted in stripes and/or friezes, printed and blurred. Also detected were ring, floral, marbled, and geometric motifs, in addition to "shell edge", trigal, "royal rim", "wave" patterns, and pieces with classical, romantic, pastoral, and Chinese scenes.