Between ‘pits and points’: the archaeological context of the Upper Vale do Itajaí do Sul and the settlement of southern Brazil

Abstract This paper presents a summary of the archaeological context in the Upper Itajaí do Sul Valley, an area located between the coast and the Santa Catarina plateau, based on a review of archaeological literature and data obtained from field activities. There are more than a hundred archeological sites in this area, suggesting great diversity in terms of settlement, artifact assemblages, chronology, and cultural association. By comparing the archaeological context of this area with adjacent areas, an attempt is made to insert the Upper Itajaí do Sul Valley into broader discussions about the occupation process of southern Brazil.