Identification of wood from Brazilian historical heritage sites: a case study of two buildings in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Wood is a raw material that has played a key role in civil construction over time. Identifying which species were used in buildings considered Brazilian historical heritage sites will contribute to conservation, as well as the comparison of the use of wood at different times. From this perspective, the present study aimed to identify and characterize the wood used in the construction of the “Casa de Dona Bém Bém” and “Gráfica Pepe” historic buildings located in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, aiming to contribute to the preservation of Brazilian historical heritage. To do so, the organoleptic and anatomical properties were evaluated by macro- and microscopic analysis, and a quali-quantitative study was conducted. Eight distinct genera were identified, namely, Vochysia sp., Cedrela sp., Handroanthus sp., Physocalymma sp., Myracroduon sp., Dipteryx sp., Calophyllum sp. and Cordia sp. In addition to identification, we sought to identify the phytogeographic domain of such genera to understand the historical context of the use of these woods. It is suggested that any replacement of deteriorated parts be with others of the same wood species identified herein to preserve the identity of these historic buildings.

Keywords

• architectural heritage
• conservation
• sative species
• wood anatomy.