ON THE MARGINS: AMAZONIAN ARCHAEOLOGY IN TRADITIONALLY OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

Abstract

The article describes archaeological surveys carried out in traditionally occupied territories in Amazonia, in which the territorial knowledge of current inhabitants constitutes a key factor in access to sites. In writing about the archaeology along the banks of three of the Amazonia’s main rivers (Tapajós, Madeira and Solimões), we hope to explore the varied relations between these communities and the archaeological resources of their territories, challenging rigid conceptions on archaeological heritage. We propose that archaeologists seek to become partners of the traditional communities who provide them with invaluable contributions.Keywords: Amazonian archaeology, archaeological survey, traditional communities, Tapajós, Madeira, and Solimões rivers, Lake of Tefé