Palaeoenvironm ent and palaeoethnology o f sam baqui inhabitants in S outheastern Rio de Janeiro State.

Abstract

Charcoal analysis of seven sambaquis from the southeastern Brazilian coast allowed palaeoenvironment reconstruction as well as various palaeoethnological considerations on wood use and on the fishers-gatherershunters’ diet. Restinga, dry forest, mangrove and Atlantic Forest ecosystems were present. Environmental stability has certainly been a main factor in the maintenance of the fishers-gatherers-hunters sociocultural system.

Keywords

• Palaeoenvironment - Palaeoethnology - Charcoal analysis - Shellmounds - Tubers - Restinga - Mangrove - Forest - Brazil.