An archaeological site in the interior of São Paulo preserves artifacts dating back 7,000 years, which reveal the daily lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants. Located in Presidente Epitácio, in the far west of São Paulo state, the site houses thousands of artifacts related to the Tupi-Guarani peoples, such as axes and intricately detailed pottery.
This is the Lagoa São Paulo II Archaeological Site, which will soon have a museum dedicated to its history. The new cultural facility is currently under construction and will help protect the artifacts, creating yet another archaeological hub 650 kilometers from the capital.
The Lagoa São Paulo II Archaeological Site holds millennia-old remains
The historic site was discovered in 1995 during archaeological salvage surveys for the construction of the Engenheiro Sérgio Motta Hydroelectric Plant. The site then became an excavation site for specialists from the São Paulo State University (Unesp) in Presidente Prudente, who have found more than 25,000 artifacts over the years.
Research has identified the presence of three indigenous groups that occupied the region due to the fertile soil and abundant game. Archaeologists have recovered fragments of funerary urns, vases, pottery, and crescent-shaped axes, which likely served in sacred rituals of the Tupi-Guarani culture.
Currently, about 12,000 of these items are in the care of the Unesp Museum Center.
The future Archaeological and Historical Museum of Western São Paulo (Mahop)
The ultimate goal is to preserve all the artifacts in the new Archaeological and Historical Museum of Western São Paulo (Mahop), which is currently under construction. The project promises to transform local tourism, drawing inspiration from foreign museums to offer an innovative experience.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there will be trails through the woods and outdoor visitor areas at the Lagoa São Paulo II Archaeological Site itself. Thus, the public will be able to enjoy a unique archaeological “treasure hunt” experience, observing excavations and learning about the artifacts in the very place where they were found.
The new cultural hub will not only preserve history but also enable new research on prehistoric “Paulist” populations. Therefore, it is worth keeping an eye on upcoming announcements from the Epitácio municipal government regarding the inauguration of Mahop, which promises to become a must-visit destination for exploring the roots of western São Paulo.
