The Pedras Sulcadas of Morro da Guia, Cabo Frio, RJ: records of quarrying in the colonial period

Abstract

The Pedras Sulcadas (Grooved Stones) form a set of rocks with linear grooves at Morro da Guia, Cabo Frio city. Many origins have been attributed to these marks, which have already been interpreted as lithic polishers, petroglyphs, geographic markers and symbols of mystical rituals. This work demonstrates that the marks of the Pedras Sulcadas results from quarrying, started before the Portuguese colonization. The rocks of Morro da Guia were used to construct the Nossa Senhora dos Anjos Convent, today Museum of Religious and Traditional Art of Cabo Frio, and many other colonial buildings in Cabo Frio city. As an important part of the history of the building and of its architectural conception, the Pedras Sulcadas should be included to the memorial heritage of the museum.