Abstract
This article presents the first identification of cauixi sponge material in archaeological pottery from the Lagoa Santa region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This zooarchaeological study addresses whether the presence of spicules of freshwater sponges in this pottery was a conscious choice on behalf of ancient potters. Based on faunal elements detected in the collection of the Vereda III site and information obtained from ethnographic records and archaeological research on the presence of cauixi in pottery, we discuss whetherits presence in the material results from the inclusion of processed freshwater sponges in the clay or if it derives from the exploitation of sedimentary deposits with spicules. As one of the outcomes, this articlepoints to a necessary revision of the archaeological pottery material of the Aratu-Sapucaí tradition in Minas Gerais where the identification of cauixi and its origin should both be considered.
Keywords
Zooarchaeology; Cauixi sponge; Archaeological pottery; Aratu-Sapucaí tradition; Lagoa Santa
