[Aztlan] moving big stones

[Otto, Lon]

It would  be helpful to know the approximate weight of the Olmec monumental
carved stones, for the engineering required to move them begins there.
Distance from the closest probable quarry is perhaps the next question,
followed by differences of elevation and quality of the terrain. If someone
could supply the list with these and other specifics for one or two sites,
it would allow us to think about the problem more realistically.

As to round stones, on many surfaces, anyway, moving them is an engineering
feat in itself. In Costa Rica, ancient and mysterious stones carved to an
incredible degree of spherical precision are now often displayed on the
property of the wealthy and powerful. Some of the largest of these (those up
to 80 centimeters mentioned in Javier's post), when discovered and dislodged
from their situation in the jungle, immediately sank deep into the soft
earth. Whatever their purpose, it wasn't to serve as ball bearings.
Saludos,
Lon Otto

-----Original Message-----
From: David Hixson [mailto:aztlandave at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 4:13 PM
To: Aztlan
Subject: Re: [Aztlan] moving big stones

John Pastore asked what type of stone we are talking
about, and why it had to come from the highlands...

First, let me say hi to John - great to hear from you
again!

The original question, by Dr. Diehl, regarded the
Olmec monuments such as those he excavated at the site
of San Lorenzo with Michael Coe.  These now famous
monuments (along with those excavated before and since
by folks like Stirling, Cyphers, and others) were made
out of volcanic stone - mostly basalt.  Yet, the
massive carvings are found in the riverine deltas and
near-coastal rolling hills of the gulf coast.  Susan
Gillespie excavated the only known quarry/workshop
where it can be proven that the raw materials needed
for Olmec carvings were extracted (called Llano del
Jicaro).  This site is located miles into the Tuxtla
mountains. And so, it still puzzles most Olmec
archaeologists as to how massive boulders were moved
not only down the mountains, but accross the muddy
valley floors of coastal Veracruz, to arrive at their
final resting places.

I just "googled" Llano del Jicaro, and a good summary
of the Olmec and this enigma is covered here (oddly
enough by a film and comic book author)...

http://www.micahwright.com/olmec/olmecs2.html

Of course, there are many academic articles for those
interested in further research.  But for a quick
synopsis, that's not bad.

-Dave



 
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