The Serra da Capivara region in northeastern Brazil contains several archaeological sites that have yielded human skeletal remains. Compared to other regions of Brazil, these sites have produced a smaller number of human skeletons (i.e.,...
moreThe Serra da Capivara region in northeastern Brazil contains several archaeological sites that have yielded human skeletal remains. Compared to other regions of Brazil, these sites have produced a smaller number of human skeletons (i.e., 3 to 4 individuals). However, the human fossil record of the region, especially that which is not associated with pottery, remains as yet inadequately investigated. Here we present a comprehensive review of previously-collected, non-pottery-associated human skeletal remains from Serra da Capivara. Additionally, we report on newly recovered human skeletons from recent excavations at the Pedrinho and of Toca da Barra da Janela do Antonião sites in the region. Current dates for these skeletal remains derive from associated materials, as efforts to obtain direct radiocarbon dates on the bones have proved unsuccessful due to the lack of bone collagen. The current understanding that the region was occupied for several thousands of years makes it difficult to define valid operational taxonomic units. While attempts for the extraction of ancient DNA remain thus far unproductive, future efforts should focus more on improving the estimates of antiquity for the skeletons. Resumen La región de la Serra da Capivara en el noreste de Brasil contiene varios sitios arqueológicos en donde se han hallado restos óseos humanos. En comparación con otras regiones de Brasil, estos sitios han producido un menor número de esqueletos humanos (i.e. de 3 a 4 individuos). Sin embargo, el registro fósil huma-no de la región, especialmente aquel que no está asociado con cerámica, sigue inadecuadamente investigado. Aquí se presenta una revisión exhaustiva de los restos óseos humanos previamente colectados y no asociados con cerámica de la Serra de Capivara. Del mismo modo, reportamos nuevos restos humanos recu-perados durante excavaciones recientes en Pedrinho y Toca da Barra da Janela do Antonião, localizados en la misma región. Las dataciones actuales para estos restos óseos derivan de materiales asociados, ya que los intentos para obtener fechados radiocarbónicos de los huesos no han sido exitosos debido a la falta de