As cerâmicas dos sítios a céu aberto de Monte Alegre: subsídios para a arqueologia do Baixo Amazonas

Abstract

This paper presents the initial results of ceramic analysis with materials from open air sites in the Monte Alegre region. Monte Alegre has long been known for the abundant and impressive rock art sites, as well as for the records of very early human occupation at the cave Pedra Pintada dug by Roosevelt 20 years ago. A new research project in the area, with a wider, regional approach, is now investigating the diversity of archaeological records in the area, including open air ceramic sites pertaining to the a more recent occupational period, starting around the XII century AD. The data shows that despite the proximity of Santarém, and some influence from its ceramic styles, Monte Alegre ceramics exhibit a local, particular pattern, being permeated by elements from not only Santarém (and Konduri) styles, but also by what seem to be a cross-cultural stylistic complex in the Lower Amazon, now being identified with Koriabo materials. Based on these data, the paper discusses the relation between the longevity of ceramic occupations in the area and later social developments, as well as the dynamics of stylistic flows suggested by these more recent materials in the wider context of the Lower Amazon region.