Cronologia e práticas funerárias dos sambaquis dos estados do Paraná e Santa Catarina (4951-2850 AP)

Abstract

The exumation of human bones in sambaquis is a known fact since the beginning of this research trend in Brazil. Regardless of it, there are few debates, and even studies, about the funerary practices of these groups. While some essential researches were written about metric and non-metric characters of the human skeleton, evidences which relate to ritual subject of the interments rarely were observed while fieldwork was conduced. This document, with these considerations in mind, explores the signs and techniques of the ritual ceremony in the sambaquis of the States of Santa Catarina and Paraná. Guided by the objective of presenting a process of development of these practices in the coastal region of such States, only sites with descriptions of the exumations and with available radiocarbonic datations were selected: the final sample resulted in thirteen sambaquis. The individuals were contabilized (212 persons) and their individual funerary traits were classified in eight variables (grave-pit, funerary offerings, ochre, extended body, flexed body, combustion traces, adornments and multiple burial) and four categories (adult, young, biological male, biological female). Appreciating the uncoiling application of these variables associated together with categories in time, it was possible to advance the existence of five models – or patterns – of interment practice. Also, it was recovered a special and instable relationship between child and biological female categories with the adornment, funerary offerings and ochre; which is specific for the studied region in 4951 and 2850 BP. With these results, we hope to encourage the research in a more deep exploration of mortuary rites, and, through them, take up a diferential approach for the study of the sambaqui society and culture.