[Aztlan] Replastering

[Bertram Perkel]

Dear Ms. Villasenor,

Your comments and suggestions are well taken. While I have ceased  
closely following my long interest in Maya epigraphy some years ago, I  
continue my interest in the Maya pursuing it in substantial part  
though the postings on Aztlan. The current discussion on re-plastering  
has proved to be most interesting. I have recently returned from  
Ethiopia and saw the damage that was done to the rock hewn churches In  
Lalibella and related areas by the application of a binding plaster to  
a hard rock (Basalt), intended to protect it, and the subsequent  
(greater?) damage caused by the required removal of this coating.  
Every one involved in each process was well intentioned but, as they  
say, ended up on the road which is paved by "good intentions."
Now to my sole point. Caution, extreme caution, should be the way this  
issue is approached. Indeed I would also suggest that a consensus  
among and between all interests be reached before any materials be  
placed (or replaced) on these structures. Once done it may not be able  
to be undone. In light of what appears to me, from the discussion,  
some serious differences in opinion at what role, if any, that  
acoustics played in Maya architecture, I think much more agreement on  
this question must be reached before such a task be undertaken ----  
and careful attention be given to risk analysis in all scenarios!  
These structures have stood without their plaster for a long time. It  
would not harm their archeological or anthropological value if they  
stayed that way until scholarship had progressed to the point that a  
consensus would be reached to alter them.
Bertram Perkel
bperkel29 at comcast.net



On Aug 23, 2008, at 4:24 PM, Isabel Villasenor wrote:

> Hi Wayne,
>   I take your point but I still think that trying to recreate acoustic
> effects would only be one aspect amongst many to take into account in
> this case. The Kukulkan’s pyramid is probably not the best example
> because it has been repointed with Portland cement and therefore
> significantly altered. However, replastering would drastically modify
> the appearance of the structure, which would have an impact on the
> public’s perception, especially if replastering is done only in one of
> the sides.
>   I know this is not a forum dedicated to the discussion of  
> conservation
> topics, but this is perhaps relevant since so many archaeologists get
> involved in conservation and restoration of archaeological  
> buildings. I
> wonder if there are architecture conservators out there who want to  
> add
> something to the discussion.
> 	For those wanting to read more on the topic, here’s a link with the
> charts listed on the ICOMOS website (International Council of  
> Monuments
> and Sites), which provide guidelines on the conservation,  
> restoration and
> management of cultural heritage:
> http://www.international.icomos.org/centre_documentation/chartes_eng.htm
>
> Isabel.
>
>
>
> --
> Isabel Villasenor
> Research Student
> Institute of Archaeology, UCL
> 31-34 Gordon Square,
> London WC1H OPY
>
>
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