New data that are solving the mysteries behind the manufacturing of the legendary Amazonian muiraquitãs have been revealed from study of the collection formed through Marcio Amaral’s efforts to save archaeological remains of the Tapajonic culture from destruction by the urban expansion of Santarém, Pará State, Brazil, and new archaeological research in the region.
More importantly, the new work demonstrates the sophistication and creative capacity of the ancient people of the Amazonia.