Conducting use-wear analysis and experimental research in South Brazil: Legal challenges and possibilities

Abstract

Environment concerns have been high on the agenda worldwide and recently archaeology has been establishing itself as a powerful discipline to explore people-environment relationships. Despite countless positive outcomes, a series of environment-related challenges faced by archaeologists remain unaddressed.

This paper approaches such challenges through the lens of experimental archaeology: how can use-wear analysis and experimental research be carried out while adhering to environmental legislation? A case study of use-wear analysis research - aiming to better understand the uses of different lithic raw materials by Southern Jê people in southern Brazil during pre-colonial times - is presented to stimulate discussion. For this research, eight different plant species native to the Atlantic Forest – a critically endangered biome that is closely related to the Southern Jê – were used in 32 historically informed and actualistic experiments.

The legal challenges faced in light of the state of the Atlantic Forest and its legal protection, which affected the acquisition of contact materials, are discussed, as are the methods that were used to tackle these challenges. It is demonstrated that collaborating with responsible institutions is an effective way of overcoming the acquisition challenge while also aligning with environmental preservation interests and encouraging the use of native contact materials for experimental use-wear research. Based on the experiences gained during this research, a best practice recommendation is made, proposing that experimental archaeology adopt an environment-led approach, in which contact materials are an equally important component of the experimental design. This study serves as a reference for future research in Brazil and elsewhere where similar challenges may occur.