Ôlho D'água: explore archaeology and find hotels

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Ôlho D'água is closely associated with two archaeological sites: the place gave Olho D’Água I and Olho D’Água II their names. The findings differ considerably. Olho D’Água I combines earth features interpreted as habitation areas with its location on the Urussanga and a sediment layer that documents an exceptional flood. Olho D’Água II is located in Jaguaruna and was destroyed by road compaction. The shared name brings the sites together thematically; their measurements and findings, however, point to different emphases. Those interested in the archaeological side of this destination will find more than a single, unified local history here.

Olho D’Água I: traces of habitation and measurements

The archaeological site Olho D’Água I measures an average of 100 × 50 × 1 meters. It comprises five patches of black earth; two more patches were interpreted as habitation areas. The patches of black earth also included two secondary structures. Particularly striking is the largest black-earth layer: it was interpreted as a circular habitation area with a diameter of 15 meters. The surface of the site was used for cultivation. Thus, evidence of habitation and cultivation appears alongside several different earth features. The 15 meters refers to the diameter of the interpreted habitation area, not to the average dimensions of the entire site. This distinguishes the size of an individual finding from the dimensions of the archaeological site.

River and stratigraphic sequence

Site I lies on the left bank of the Urussanga River. A layer of fluvial sediment up to 10 centimeters thick documents an exceptional flood of the river. Fluvial sediment is material transported and deposited by water; here, it provides tangible evidence of the river landscape. The site's stratigraphy also points to its sudden abandonment and subsequent resettlement. The sequence of layers adds a change in settlement to the interpretation, while the sediment layer records the flood. In this way, human activity and an exceptional natural event come together in the archaeological interpretation.

Olho D’Água II in comparison

Olho D’Água II is located in Jaguaruna and measures an average of 100 × 30 × 0.5 meters. An archaeological investigation and an excavation were carried out at the site. It was destroyed by road compaction. A direct comparison of the measurements shows how the two sites differ: the first value is the same for I and II, while the other two are greater for I. In terms of their findings, I brings together settlement evidence, the Urussanga and a flood trace; for II, investigation, excavation and destruction form part of the site's history. This clearly distinguishes the two archaeological emphases.

Discover more destinations: Pereque, Quebra Dentes, Quilombo, São Lourenço Do Oeste, Itapoá, Abelardo Luz, Treze Tílias, Fraiburgo

For the main travel overview: Santa Catarina.

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