Ceramic Pubic Covers from Marajo Island, Brazil

Abstract

Ceramic pubic covers (tangas) are characteristics of Marajoara Phase, at the mouth of the Amazon river. We have studied more than 140 painted tangas and 84 plain ones. Rules for drawing, spacial organization have been perused. We show that the central figure is a highly schematic face representation, made using a kenning system. The morphology of the tangas, the pictural organization and the thematic elements are correlated, so it is possible to propose seven typological categories. Their significance (chronological, regional or social) is discussed, though the lack of datings and scarcity of accurate information on the origin of the artifacts prevent us to reach satisfactory results. We have also studied use wear on the archaeological covers. Our collaborators have produced ceramic tanga replicas and experimented their use in several ways.