Mapeamento e análise dos sítios arqueológicos sob uma perspectiva geográfica: caso das bacias hidrográficas Riacho Olho d'Água e Riacho Talhada, Sertão de Alagoas

Abstract

The integration between archaeology and geography plays a crucial role in understanding the interactions between the natural environment and the occupation strategies of ancient peoples. These fields, when complementing each other, provide a broader perspective on human adaptations to environmental conditions and the choices that shaped the cultural and social dynamics of specific territories. A significant example of this collaboration can be observed in studies conducted in the state of Alagoas, where the analysis of archaeological sites revealed the diversity of human occupations and the strategies developed to survive and thrive in different environmental contexts. The chosen study area focused on the Riacho Olho d'Água and Riacho Talhada Watersheds, located in the hinterlands of Alagoas. Research identified the existence of 101 archaeological sites in the investigation area, 75% of which feature rock art, showcasing not only the creativity and cultural expression of various ethnic groups but also the strategic locations selected for these manifestations. Most of these sites are located in areas with low slopes and close to the São Francisco River, characterized by moderate altitudes and predominantly flat or gently undulating terrain. The studied region, situated within the Caatinga biome and near the São Francisco River Canyon Monument, presents environmental conditions that, despite being challenging, have favored the development of strategies for conserving archaeological assets. Additionally, the natural protection offered by the terrain limits human activity in these areas, significantly contributing to the preservation of the rich archaeological heritage in the region. The AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) methodology was employed as a tool to preliminarily identify areas with higher archaeological potential. Variables such as slope, soil composition, relief, and proximity to water resources were considered, emphasizing the relevance of the southern portion of the study area as a high-potential archaeological zone. In this way, archaeological findings contribute significantly to reconstructing history, revealing the ways of life and cultural richness of the groups that inhabited the Alagoas hinterlands before colonization. Moreover, they highlight the importance of geotechnologies in monitoring, supervising, and preserving archaeological sites. These technologies have become indispensable to ensuring the protection of this heritage for future generations. However, despite many discoveries, numerous intriguing questions remain. How did these peoples, with seemingly limited resources, adapt so effectively to an environment now regarded as hostile? What ancestral practices and knowledge were developed to transform this territory into a space conducive to survival and cultural flourishing? Furthermore, it is fascinating to realize how these practices, in some ways, still resonate in the present, influencing the communities that inhabit the Alagoas hinterlands. These reflections not only enrich the field of scientific research but also emphasize the importance of protecting this cultural and environmental heritage. Cooperation between researchers, public agencies, and society is indispensable to ensure that these stories, recorded both in the landscape and artifacts, continue to be told and understood, moving beyond a Eurocentric perspective.