Terra Preta é coisa feita? geoquímica de Cerritos no Pontal da Barra, sul do Brasil

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to provide data for understanding the technological-sedimentary origin of the "Indian cerritos" located in the Pontal da Barra wetlands, in the extreme south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, integrating data obtained through excavation of the sites with results of geochemical analysis of stratigraphic profiles of the archaeological sites. Through empirical reading, routine chemical analyses and multielement chemical analysis, associated with readings of the archaeological contexts of the sites, it was possible to reinforce the hypothesis that the cerritos are composed of anthropogenic soils, such as the Terras Pretas de Índio, already identified in other archaeological contexts. Considering that, we suggest that the TPI phenomenon is a soft technology developed also by the earthen mound builders of the Pampa biome. Regarding the site formation process, the chemical heterogeneity of the soil profiles denotes the result of human actions in their formation, and also, suggests systematic vertical and horizontal movements of sediment throughout the history of use of these places.