Methodologies and pre-colonial archeology in Brazil: epistemological and theoretical implications

Abstract

The writing of this text was imposed from the observation of a lack of articulation between archaeologists specialized in the pre-colonial period and ethnologists, which has pointed to an impoverishment of the knowledge produced by both areas in Brazil. The objective of this research is to, by the academic discussion on field and analysis methodologies (if it is possible to so clearly separate these stages of the work of archaeological knowledge production), reflect on the various possibilities of doing archeology and, with this, to contribute for a more qualified understanding of pre-colonial indigenous collectives in Brazil, objective and object of all prehistorian archaeologists. Initially, it started with a reflection, from a theoretical-methodological point of view, on the relationship between Pre-colonial Archeology and Indigenous Ethnology, from a general perspective, but emphasizing the Brazilian context. In the end, we intended to discuss and problematize methods and techniques used by the Brazilian archaeological community during fieldwork and in the analysis of information and materials collected, aiming to reflect on the epistemological and theoretical implications arising from the use of a certain methodology, pointing to emphases and priorities, without the intention, however, of stiffening or standardizing classifications or typifications.