Seriation as a tool to unravel the chronology of ceramist pre-colonial groups from São Paulo State, Brazil: boundaries, contacts, and identities

Abstract

Chronologies are fundamental elements to further understand the dynamics of the exploration of landscapes by humans in past times. Our Project focuses on Tupiguarani ceramist groups from the Late Holocene from Sao Paulo state, with focus on Paranapanema, Ribeira do Iguape and Tietê Valleys. Data from ceramic collections from 34 sites from these three regions were collected prioritizing technological, morphological, and decorative aspects. By using statistical methods, including using frequency seriation, similarity tests and richness tests, we expect to understand the past boundaries and contacts of such human groups, as well as contribute to the discussion of how artifactual variability and relative chronology can be used to better understand the occupation of these landscapes in the past. (AU)