Change and collapse in Fluminense coast: the sambaquieiros and the others in Saquarema Lagoonar System, RJ

Abstract

This research aimed at contributing to understanding sambaqui dwellers who occupied the Saquarema lagoonar system (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) between 6.600 and 1.500 cal years BP. The model developed assumes that two factors, environmental change and intersocietary contact have influenced the processes of sociocultural change in the sambaqui society. Parallel to the changes on resources and on mounds edification practice, we can also observe a change on lithic industry technology. New funeral practices were introduced associated with this technological change, such as cremation and the handling of human bones. Around 2.000 cal years BP, this contact, associated to a process that had already been developing inside the fishermen and gathereds groups, marked the beginning of the collapse of the sambaqui society in the Saquarema lagoonar system.