Geoarchaeology of anthrosols of the terra preta 2 site in the lower amazon valley, juruti-pará, Brasil

Abstract

The Ethnohistorical narratives, archaeological records and extensive areas of soil modified by anthropic action, such as Terra Preta de Indio, suggest the existence of peoples from different cultures and with it different uses of the landscape in Amazonia. This article proposes to analyze the morphological, chemical, stratigraphic and archaeological attributes of anthrosol, Archaeological Dark Earth (ADE), in the Terra Preta 2 site, located in Juruti, Lower Amazon Valley in the state of Pará, north region of Brazil, thereby contributing to the geoarchaeological context. Archaeological ceramics were collected in 46 points of 120x60m systematic grids. As well as 19 samples from three soil profiles were also collected and analyzed as for morphology, total chemistry and stratigraphy. The TPA studied spreads out over 28 ha and different levels of alteration were identified inside and in its periphery in comparison to the area outside it. The analysis of soil stratigraphy and spatialization of ceramic fragments suggest that the extension of the site is the result of continuous movements during the occupation process and the changes in the soil are of a morphological and chemical nature, and point out different daily activities..