Proposal of terminology for the description and classification of the archaeological pottery of the Tupi-Guarani linguistics family groups

Abstract

The proposal presented here is the result of previous research (Scatamacchia, Caggiano and Jacobus 1991; Scatamacchia, Fonseca and Pilón 2003), which had the preoccupation of establishing precise definitions for description and classification ceramic based on a reference frame that allows for fast identifications and wide correlations. The discussions led to the creation of an objective system, starting from a reference frame for the classification of archaeological ceramic vessels pertaining to the groups of Tupi-Guarani linguistic filiations. We take as the basis for the presentation the terms referring to different stages of production of a ceramic vessel, which should be considered for the description and classification. They embody the description of the techniques that involve artisan’s initial project, the search of the raw material, its preparation, the form and the choice of the decoration. This ensemble will guarantee a basic identification of both the artifact and the technological skill of the group, which will be the basis for its insertion into the social context. The proposal is an open system of description that allows for the classification of the ceramic vase inside a wide classifying category, which can be further enlarged within the variables which indicate regional or local specifications.