Archaeology of the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary in Brazil

After a short history of Brazilian research about Pleistocene peopling, the Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene changes of climate and resources are discussed. Claims for a very ancient presence of Man before 13,000 BP (Itaborai, Toca da Esperanca, Pedra Furada and Lapa Vermelha sites) are polemic, because putative structures and artifacts could have been made by natural processes. In central and northeastern Brazil some sites dated between 14,000 and 10,000 BP provide clear evidence of human activities and coexistence with huge Pleistocene mammals. In a synthesis of our present knowledge about the 12,000/8000 BP period, biological aspects of the Lagoa Santa people and their subsistence are discussed. The main regional traditions are Umbu with bifacial projectile points, and Humaita with heavy implements in the southern part of Brazil. In the central and northeastern regions, the Itaparica tradition is characterized by typical retouched flakes and limaces. Although projectile points are generally thought to be absent in the earliest levels of this tradition, some have been found in Boquete Cave. In Amazonia, some cultural aspects seem to have been the same as in central Brazil. (C) 1998 INQUA/Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.