OS COLETORES-PESCADORES DO LITORAL SUL DE SÃO PAULO, BRASIL

Abstract

The Fisher-Gatherers of São Paulo’s South Coast, Brazil This article makes a few observations on the relationship of fisher-gathering groups with the aquatic environment of the south coast of São Paulo and how this ecosystem has enabled the long stay these groups in the region. The practice of gathering is usually associated with small nomadic groups, given the need for mobility in search of resources. But when we find an environment with many resources available, such as the Lagamar area, we find the archaeological record of groups that remained for a long time in the region, with dates ranging from 8400 BP until 1960 BP. These groups have left archaeological sites are known as Sambaqui, which in other regions are called concheros or shell middens. These archaeological sites are composed primarily of mollusk shells, fish bones and small mammal remains. Maybe the possibility of extended occupations and predictable resources, circumstances that are not always possible in practice for gatherers, allowed these groups to develop cultural traits that go beyond those of nomadic gatherers.