Arqueologia do Porto de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul: (1876-1940)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the constitution of the Pelotas (RS)’ port space delimited and comprised between the current Clube Náutico Gaúcho and the Clube Natação e Regatas Pelotense and which concerns to chronological period from 1876 to 1940 as of archaeology, in other words, investigating its port goods and linked to its dynamic. We envision the prospect that the port of the 1870 began to fit into the logic of a modernized, industrialized, capitalist port. To carry out this study we based on extensive and historical archaeology. Thus, we use different information supports from different chronological periods, such as: primary documents, cartographic and iconographic material to conduct research and data collection. In addition, we conducted interviews and used data from informal conversations to compose our framework of data and interpretive perspectives. Moreover, we conducted an archaeological survey of surface, in the area under study, which allowed us to reach new information and port elements to think about the constitution of the port that we look at. With regard to these assets, which continue to our day, we will approach Domingos Rodrigues Square, a wharf of vessel of Clube Natação e Regatas Pelotense and Silveira Martins tugboat of detained manner. In order to analyze the port goods of different times, we select and employ concepts and interpretative perspectives linked to Archaeology of Ports, Archaeology of Aquatic Environments and Archaeology of Capitalism. We also adhere to the precepts of post- processual Archaeology, one of which is a commitment to the past, the present and the future, so we have, though not extensively, covered a discussion of the port assets of the port of Pelotas of the present. The results from the study leads us to think that the port of Pelotas began to modernize relatively early, in the context of the time, compared to other national ports, and that it accompanied, in some respects, the development of other national and international ports. Moreover, the results show us which areas have archaeological potential and point us to the need for patrimonial legislation that encompasses and ensures legal protection for port goods also from the industrial period and looks at the waters and their floating goods or reappropriated.