Jesuit spatialization and interiorization in the Upper Paraná River based on historiography combined with archaeological heritage testimony

National historiography related to black and indigenous issues is characterized by the historical concealment of many events and perspectives, resulting in the inexistence and/or inaccuracy of data about the past of relations and resistance throughout the national territory. When we came across the archaeological heritage that bears witness to the Jesuit presence in the Upper Paraná River in its São Paulo portion and the lack of documentary support for this presence, we were led to a targeted investigation that would provide us with an understanding (albeit partial) of the processes of advancement of the Jesuit missions in this region. To this end, we conducted a survey of various testimonies (material and documentary) that record the presence of Jesuits in the Upper Paraná River basin. These were associated with an analysis of the layout of the Alvim, Taquaruçu and Castelinho archaeological sites in the landscape. With this analysis, we identified correlations between the paths used by the European invaders, the archaeological sites analyzed and the areas reported in official documents as the domain of the Reductions of Santo Inácio (1610) and Nossa Senhora do Loreto (1610). As a product of this intense work, which was only possible collectively, we hope to encourage readers to join us in a partnership to continue uncovering the hidden aspects of the archaeological heritage of the vast Paraná River.