Between structures and memories: analysis of Castanheiro Ceramics Factory from industrial archeology (São Raimundo Nonato/PI)

Abstract

This article has as object of study the Castanheiro Ceramics Factory, which was active between 1980 and 2003 in the Santa Luzia neighborhood of the municipality of São Raimundo Nonato, state of Piauí, Brazil. By combining the theoretical methodological precepts of Industrial and Urban Archeology with the narratives of local residents, we seek to identify the productive spaces
of the factory and problematize its importance for the spatial organization of the

neighborhood, evaluating how the factory influenced urbanization, the process of industrialization and economic development of the municipality. Thus, by archaeological prospecting, semi-structured interviews and documentary surveys, it was identified that the factory was composed of five structures, with different functionalities: storage yard; production shed (housed the machinery); location of raw material storage (feed box); drying shed; and space associated with the burning process (ovens, chimney, underground exhaust system), this result allowed the elaboration of a 3D model of the factory. It was noticed that the factory contributed to the urban growth of the neighborhood, providing material for the construction of houses and for their socioeconomic development, generating jobs that attract people to live in the neighborhood and work in the factory, causing a geographical and demographic expansion. The factory employed 100 employees, demonstrating that the municipal economy was not limited to the service and agricultural sectors, having a relevant industrial production.