Site formation aspects of a big shellmidden: some elements in Espinheiros II, Joinville.

Abstract

Rescue archaeology fieldwork was conducted at the Espinheiros II shellmidden in Joinville, Santa Catarina State, in 1991-1992 by a team from Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (São Paulo University) and from Museu Arqueológico de Sambaqui de Joinville. This paper discusses some site formation aspects. The site is very large and stratigraphically complex. Field work showed that the Espinheiros I and II shellmiddens (the former explored by Piazza in the sixties) possess the same bottom layer, therefore sharing a common base. In the southwestern part of the site, the almost absence of structures (only two hearths, with datations), a disarticulation of human remains, and strongly dipped layers suggest a downward movement of the shellmidden upper layers. Well preserved organic remains at the base of the mussel bottom layer indicate that the mangrove was quickly filled during its initial occupation phase.