Historic and Modern Amerindian Ceramic production in French Guiana : The Case of Eva 2

Summary

The excavations at Eva 2 near Malmanoury yielded an important early and late historic ceramic assemblage. Their study reflect the transformation of Amerindian society from the pre-Columbian Late Ceramic Age to modern times which is supported by historical documents and Amerindian oral tradition for the western coastal region of French Guiana. We recognize a high level of cultural continuity until the end of the 19th century ; however, on the one hand, material culture and notably ceramics reveal a stylistical adaptation (vessel shape and decoration) to early modern society, reflecting the re-birth of two important Amerindian groups (Kali’na and Palikur) what is recorded in oral tradition. On the other hand, other aspects of Amerindian life, such as burial modes, introduction of European goods, reveal little change, suggesting conservation of their culture by the incorporation of specific goods or values that serve their proper world vision.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Investigations in Global Material Culture   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-59,06