Archaeological Earthen Mound Complex in Patos Lagoon, Southern Brazil: Chronological Model and Freshwater Influence

Abstract

In the present work, we assess the chronology of archaeological sites known as earthen mounds, commonly found at the Pampas biome, among the lowlands of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. We focused on the Pontal da Barra settlement, which is a testimony of the long-term occupation of indigenous groups in the swamp and wet environment of Patos Lagoon, southern Brazil. A Bayesian chronological model based on the radiocarbon (14C) dating of 17 samples of fish otolith, 5 charcoal fragments, and 2 bones (human and dog) allowed determination of the beginning of the occupation as well as the occupational synchronism of the different mounds. The nature of the samples allows us to study the local 14C reservoir effect through the comparison between the group of marine and terrestrial samples, deriving a reservoir offset value of 63±53 14C yr for this particular area, indicating a strong freshwater influence in the lagoon system. We estimate the start of human intervention in the landscapes of southern Patos Lagoon to be around 2200 cal BP, with the most intense activity between 1800 and 1200 cal BP.

The First Record of a Pre‐Columbian Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) in Brazil

“…The simpler undulating arrangement observed in all South American foxes compared here is likely linked to their omnivorous diet. A direct date obtained from bone collagen of the maxilla yielded a conventional radiocarbon age of 1701-1526 cal BP (2σ) (Beta-415598) consistent with the date range for human occupation of the site (Milheira et al, 2016a(Milheira et al, , 2016b (Table 1). Results of isotope analysis (C/N: 3.1) of the maxilla were Carbon: δ 13 C À11.4‰, Nitrogen: δ 15 N À10.6‰.…”

“…A direct date obtained from bone collagen of the maxilla yielded a conventional radiocarbon age of 1701‐1526 cal BP (2σ) (Beta‐415598) consistent with the date range for human occupation of the site (Milheira et al ., , ) (Table ). Results of isotope analysis (C/N: 3.1) of the maxilla were Carbon: δ 13 C −11.4‰, Nitrogen: δ 15 N −10.6‰.…”

“…Standard measurements (Hillson, 1996) were completed three times by the same individual with digital callipers, and the mean value provided to the nearest 0.01 mm. Isotope values and radiocarbon ages derive from collagen samples of the maxilla fragment (Milheira et al, 2016b).…”

“…Radiocarbon dates from PSG-07 at the Pontal da Barra earthen mound complex afterMilheira et al, 2016b. Type 1 = date on C. l. familiaris taxon; 2 = date from context.…”

Arqueologia dos Cerritos na Laguna dos Patos, Sul do Brasil: uma síntese da ocupação regional

“…Os cerritos, como denominaremos tais estruturas em nosso texto -em conformidade com a nomenclatura platina -, são estruturas arqueológicas monticulares constituídas predominantemente de terra e materiais como arqueofauna, instrumentos líticos e cerâmicos, além de apesentarem estruturas de fogueiras e enterramentos humanos. Encontramse no Sul da América do Sul, distribuídos nas porções Leste e Norte do Uruguai (CABRERA, 2013;CABRERA;LOPEZ MAZZ, 2000;LOPEZ MAZZ, 2001;GIANOTTI, 1998;BRACCO, 2010;IRIARTE, 2006;INDA, 2008;VILLAGRAN;GIANOTTI, 2013); Sul do Brasil, na metade sul do Rio Grande do Sul (SCHMITZ, 1976;COPÉ, 1992;RÜTHSCHILLING, 1989;QUINTANA, 2010;LOUREIRO, 2008;ULGUIM, 2010;BELLETTI, 2010;PEÇANHA, 2014;MILHEIRA;PEÇANHA;MILHEIRA et al 2017); porção Nordeste da Argentina, no Delta do rio Paraná (LOPONTE;ACOSTA, 2008;LOPONTE, 2010;BONOMO;POLITIS;GIANOTTI, 2011;BONOMO, 2012).…”