By A.D. 400, the first chiefdom societies of the Amazon region emerged on the
floodplains of Marajo Island, at the mouth of the Amazon River. For nearly 1,000
years, those societies dealt with an environment characterized by a dramatic
alternation of flood and drought. Building earthen mounds, canals, and dams, the
Marajoara people obtained enough resources to stimulate growth in population and
social complexity.
Marajoara ceramics are among the most beautiful and sophisticated of the New
World. The study of its intricate designs has demonstrated the development of an
iconographic language, communicating ideas based on mythology, social roles,
gender and status.
floodplains of Marajo Island, at the mouth of the Amazon River. For nearly 1,000
years, those societies dealt with an environment characterized by a dramatic
alternation of flood and drought. Building earthen mounds, canals, and dams, the
Marajoara people obtained enough resources to stimulate growth in population and
social complexity.
Marajoara ceramics are among the most beautiful and sophisticated of the New
World. The study of its intricate designs has demonstrated the development of an
iconographic language, communicating ideas based on mythology, social roles,
gender and status.
| Patrick and Cristiane excavate a funerary vessel at M-17 (Belem Mound), November 2002 |
| The research on Marajoara Culture has been funded by several institutions, including National Science Foundation (under Grant No. 0233788), Earthwatch Institute, and the Unversity of Pittsburgh. Fellowships were received from the University of Pittsburgh (Heinz Endowments) and Brazilian Government (CNPq). Research on Archaeological Sites has been authorized by the Institute of Patrimony (IPHAN-BRAZIL). The research has been supported by the Museu Paranse Emílio Goeldi (MPEG-Brazil). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or any other institution here mentioned. |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Photo by Carlos Mora