Arraial do Cabo Archaeology, focusing on sites ar Cabo Frio Island

Abstract

Arraial do Cabo, State of Rio de Janeiro, has a remarkable set of archaeological sites, drawing attention for their density and diversity in terms of settlement choices. These sites are located at dunes, open sea shores, lagoons, locations higher than 50 meters over sea level, rockshelters, islands and small bays. The characteristics of each site and the history of their occupation are discussed, with the objectives of understanding if there is relationship between the occupation of different environments and the existence of different cultural unities, as well as the dynamics of spatial occupation, inter-site relationships and the reasons for the high concentration of sites in the research area.